The Shoe Grid [infographic]

Not all shoes are created equal, and not all are appropriate for each outfit. Pants and skirts of varying cuts and volumes look different with pointy-toed shoes than with round-toed ones, so how do you pick a pair each morning?

Have no fear, the Shoe Grid is here. Check out this handy guide to get the look you want.

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I left off square-toed shoes, because they are rarely seen these days (though I am a fan of them in flats and boots). Those go much better with pants than with skirts.

What toe-box is your favorite? How do you decide what shoe goes with what outfit?

Summer Work Staples: The Peep-toe

Continuing the summer style series, today we explore the peep-toe. Whether you like it in pump, wedge or flat form, we all enjoy a little extra air down there in the summer. I'm a fan—I have basic peep-toe pumps in brown croc, black leather and nude patent to keep me covered.

Uber-conservative offices are generally closed-toe year-round, but if you have a more relaxed dress code and can toss in a little toe here or there, here are some things to consider when shopping for and styling peep-toe pumps for the office.

• Peep a little, peep a lot. Even among peep-toes, there is a lot of variation, from a tiny cut-out vee to an entire exposed toe-area. Try a few styles on to see what you're most comfortable with. The more conservative your office is, the smaller your peeping area should be.
• Coverage. Keep the rest of the shoe more conservative in coverage. I recommend saving the peep-toe d'orsays or slingbacks for events rather than office wear. Peep-toes in open lace (unlined), crochet, or other open fabrics are also not for the office.
• Color. I'm a big fan of working color into your work wardrobe, and shoes are no exception. Keep the look balanced by pulling a single color from the rest of your outfit into your shoes, or by accenting an otherwise neutral outfit with a pop. Leave the ultra bright neons at home unless you're in a very creative environment.
• Embellishments. Add a little pizzazz to an office shoe through texture or try something with a little embellishment (buckles, bows or cut-outs are pretty easy to find). A mary jane, t-strap or ankle strap are also fun spins on a classic peep-toe pump.
• Perfect the pedi. A messy or unkept pedicure can make even the chicest peep-toe look bad. There's not need to go out and spend money on regular pedicures (unless you're into that kind of thing), just make sure your nails are clean and clipped. If you do go with a color, make sure it is office appropriate—you have a little more leeway on your toes than your fingers, especially in summer, but don't go totally crazy.
• Wear with...anything. Peep-toes are pretty versatile in the office. They look chic with a knee-length dress (any shorter and it can look like too much skin) or with a pair of floor-skimming pants (or some skinnies on Casual Friday). 

Some fun office-appropriate peep-toe styles:

Pumps
Platforms

Are peep-toes part of your summer shoe collection? How do you keep them office appropriate?

Jungle preppy [outfit]

Target Dress - 2011 - $12 on sale / J.Crew outlet belt - 2011 - $5 on sale / Nine West shoes from Marshalls or Ross - 2011 - $25 (using birthday money) / Banana Republic necklace - 2010 - $12 on sale

One of the biggest changes to my wardrobe now that I'm not in an office anymore is my hemline. For work, I was a staunch knee-length skirter. Any shorter seemed scandalous. Sure, I wore shorter skirts on weekends, but after dressing up all week I usually stuck to plain jeans. 

But now? Well, you've seen me lately. Those longer skirts have been gathering dust in my closet. I must be making up for lost time or something. This dress is one of my go-tos, and I've been switching up belts each time. Today was pink's turn. In my mind, green + pink = preppy. Love it.

Casual Tuesday [outfit]

Gap blazer - 2006 - $40? / Ann Taylor outlet top - 2011 - $20 / Rockabilly jeans from Renew Denim - 2010 - $30? / Calvin Klein pumps from Off Broadway - 2007 - $70 on sale / Braided leather belt from Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $12 / Oblong hoop earrings, probably from Target or Kohl's - 2009 - cheap

Back in action after Thanksgiving! It was so nice to see friends and family, and totally gave me new motivation to get to work. We did our regular rounds: K's grandpa's house (Thanksgiving Day), my parents' house (home base), my girlfriends (twice!), and K's best friend (though we could have done without the food poisoning).

Since this was our first trip together since we moved out to Miami, I learned a few valuable lessons. First, FLL is not always cheaper than MIA, but MIA is always closer and should be chosen whenever possible. Second, red-eye flights, once my saving grace when I was young and energetic, are a really bad idea now. My body does not adjust as well as it used to. Our return trip started at 11pm PST and ended at 12:45pm EST the next day, and it still cost an arm and a leg. Um...anyone want to do Thanksgiving in Miami next year? I'm volunteering to host.

Back to the outfit.

We're finally getting into winter here Miami, which means it's in the 70s now. So I pulled out my trusty blazer. Although I usually wear it open, it was looking a little boxy so I buttoned it up. Not bad, still fits. I really liked the classic silhouette and how the color of the top and the sleeve lining really pop. I stayed with a brown belt on this even though I'm wearing a black blazer and shoes (and used a black bag, too).

My formula for mixing black and brown is either multiples of each, or multiples of one and a single pop of the other (yes, I totally made this up on my own). I'll rarely wear just one brown item and just one black item, but if there are three or more black/brown opportunities, I'll mix it up.

What "rules" have you made up for yourself (sartorially or otherwise)?

Business as usual [outfit]

White blouse from Macy's - 2007 - gift card / Gap sweater - 2005 - $20? / Limited skirt - 2009 - $20 on sale / Enzo Angiolini pumps from Piperlime - 2010 - $35 / Necklace c/o Jada's Jewels - 2011

This is the most professional outfit I've worn in weeks. I'm not quite sure what it was (probably the fact that it was a Monday after a vacation), but I was just feeling it. I wanted the dressed up feeling. I wanted to wear heels. I didn't go far in this outfit, but it felt good while I was in it.

Now onto this sweater. I don't wear it often, but I've had it a long time and will probably never get rid of it. I remember the details of my purchasing the piece pretty clearly.

Let me set the scene.

Early September 2005. I recently moved to New York City begin grad school at NYU. One of the activities on our orientation week schedule is a job/internship fair. I only have three semesters to soak in all the journalism I can before I'm likely headed back to California, so I print out a stack of resumes and hit up some tables. I drop off a couple of resumes.

A few days later (I think it was the first week of classes) I have a free afternoon, so I decide to take a stroll over to Broadway in Soho to check out the shops. It's just a few blocks from my school-issued shared studio, and right before I get there, next to a wrought iron gate, I get a phone call. It's Time Inc. As in publisher of Real Simple, People magazine, In Style. I dropped off my resume and chatted with their internship coordinator a bit at the job fair, and it was at the top of my dream list.

After silently squealing in joy for a few seconds, I listen closely as the woman invites me in for an interview. I can't remember if she mentions what magazine or not, but no matter. I'm already in shopping mode, so I switch my mission to finding the perfect interview outfit. I walk into the Gap and head straight for the sale racks, since I'm fresh out of college and surviving on student loans and minimal savings. No luck. But then cable knit catches my eye. There are stacks of it in various colors on some shelves. And a small sign that says, "hey, these are on sale, too!" Not in those exact words. And that is how this sweater came to be mine.

I wore this sweater over this tie-neck top (purchased the same day) with black Forever 21 pants and red Payless flats. I remember feeling like I belonged in a country club. It must have gone well, since I got the internship (not with one of the big name mags, but with a smaller, custom publication). It was an awesome three semesters.

What clothing items do you still own and wear that hold the greatest memories?

Take two [outfit]

W118 by Walter Baker dress from Off 5th - 2011 - $30 on clearance / Gap blazer - 2005 - $40? / Enzo Angiolini pumps from Piperlime - 2010 - $35 on sale

Just popping in with this outfit since I wore it last week. (More guest posters to come.)

Now this is more of what I had in mind when I bought this dress. It's a little on the short side, but I could see this outfit working great at a casual networking hour or on a date. I've always extolled the leg-elongating magic powers of a knee-length pencil skirt, but this shorter length is pretty flattering, too. Dilemmas, dilemmas.

What is the most flattering skirt length on you? How do you figure?

Faux-bi [outfit]

Katerina Dress c/o Carissa Rose [review | disclosure] / Nine West peep-toes from Ross - 2009 - $25 / Natural pearl necklace - 2007 - gift

I almost titled this post "Who died?" because it looks like I'm going to a funeral. Nope. No one died here. Wore this for a little trip to South Beach to check out a jeweler's proposed designs for a commissioned Dress for Success Miami piece. It was gorgeous. I'm not a rich philanthropist type, but if I were, I'd want one. Time to kick the freelancing into high gear.

My favorite part of this outfit is the belt. The first time I wore this dress, I went with a classic front bow. This time I tried an obi-style. The ties are sewn into the side seams of the dress, but I'm seriously debating taking them off the dress and sewing them together to form an independent waist-tie (and so I can use other belts with this dress). Shouldn't be too hard, right?

Speaking of sewing I've been on a major sewing kick lately. This weekend, I made a new pillow for my office chair (based on this pin), and sewed a little tool belt for my three-and-a-half year old nephew (from this book). Next up: making a baby blanket for my brand new nephew (born on Monday!), new throw pillow covers for the couches, and finally doing this skinny pant DIY. I'm putting it off because even though it looks simple enough on screen, it's slightly terrifying to me to do such a large alteration myself.

Are you a crafter? What kind of crafts do you do?

Something like home [outfit]

Ann Taylor top - 2010 - $20 on sale (similar) / BR Factory Store pants - 2009 - $12 on clearance (similar) / Nina pumps from Ross - 2009 - $16 on sale (similar) / Belt taken from a suit (similar) / Necklace c/o Jada's Jewels [referral link]

[Worn: 09.24.11 | To: Work a fundraising event. Change of outfit afterward to meet K's coworkers and have a birthday dinner w/ family]

This is not what I'd normally wear on a Saturday, but most Saturdays don't involve lunch at the Fontainebleau Hotel with a Hollywood legend. Dress for Success Miami hosted a fundraising luncheon featuring acclaimed actress and filmmaker Dyan Cannon, and I jumped at the chance to help out. But what does one wear to a historic fancy schmancy hotel to be in the presence of Miami movers and shakers while still being appropriate for working (moving things around, lifting boxes, event set-up, etc.)?

I came to two conclusions: pants and low heels. I have two pairs of dress pants that work with low heels (in addition to one pair of low-heel jeans, five high-heel pants and three flats pants...you know you make the distinction, too), and between these and the brown ones, black won out. Unfortunately, my pants aren't fitting so well these days, so I needed a structured top to keep from having to adjust my waistband all day. Toss on a belt and some jewels, pull back the hair, and I was ready to go. And I couldn't have been more comfortable at the event, where I indeed ended up walking up and down stairs all day and had to bend over and lift several things.

After the event I changed into this outfit (swap the heels for sandals) to meet up with K and his coworkers at a pub after their department retreat. Got a crapload of restaurant recommendations and a new shopping buddy! And then it was onto Miami's Best Pizza for a birthday dinner with our cousins out here (hint: the Moroccan pizza is bomb). I was completely wiped by the end of the day, but there is something really comforting about having a day full of activities with new friends...something almost like home.

What do you take into account the most when planning a functional and fashionable outfit?

Mirror-free is not the way to be [outfit]

Mossimo dress via Target - 2011 - $10 on clearance (available) / Aerosoles suede loafers via Macy's - 2007 - $30 on sale (similar) / Emilie M. bag via Marshall's - 2011 - $25 (similar) / Dark pearl necklace and matching studs - 2011 - gift (similar) / Ball chain necklace - old - cheap (similar)

[Worn: 09.07.11 | To: Meet w/ Dress for Success Miami and run errands]

I really need to get a full-length mirror. I felt great in this outfit, but that's mainly because I didn't see what the dress + shoes looked like until I got home. My feet were a bit sore (I wore heels Wednesday and ended up spending 4+ hours on my feet), so I wanted to be comfortable. I love the dress and shoes separately, but never again will they be worn together.

Yesterday, I met with Dress for Success Miami/Suited for Success to discuss volunteering options. The organization is basically about everything I love...helping women and men prepare for careers through training and wardrobe. And now that I have a flexible schedule, I wanted to get involved and meet new people. Turns out, what they need help with is what I know how to do, so we have a follow-up meeting next week, and I'm helping at their Fashion's Night Out table tonight.


Where do you volunteer?

[Edit: I couldn't remember where I first saw a necklace worked this way, but now I know it was from Elaine at Clothed Much. She tricked out her pearl strand with a ribbon, which works great if you don't have a shorter necklace that complements your strand. Thanks, Elaine!

Church hopper

Ann Taylor factory store top - 2011 - $30 on sale (similar) / Merona trouser jeans via Target - 2011 - $18 on sale (similar) / Enzo Angiolini Maylie pumps via Nordstrom - 2007 - $70 on sale (similar) / Forever 21 leaf necklace - 2010 - $5 (similar)

[Worn: 09.04.11 | To: Church and lunch]

If you're following along with Dressy September over on Facebook, you've already seen this outfit, but there's no commentary or details there. This is what I wore on Sunday to check out a new (to us) church in downtown Miami.

Something I've noticed about moving around a lot (and knowing people that move around a lot) is that everyone has different MOs for meeting new people. Sometimes it's work, sometimes it's through friends you already know, sometimes it's classmates. For me, it's usually been church. Attending and participating in a church is important to me for many reasons, but camaraderie is one that anyone can relate to, even if you're not religious.

When I moved to Davis, I was brand new at work and the other new girl I worked with did not like me at all. K had lived there for two years already, so most of my friends right off the bat were K's classmates. They were in class when he was in class, and they were studying when he was studying. I love these folks a lot and many of them are dear friends of mine now, but it wasn't helping me branch out at first. It wasn't until we found a church to call home that I began making my own friends (OK, they knew K, too, but I like to count them as mine).

We've been here about a month now and have tried three churches: one was recommended to us by a friend, one is where K's cousin and his family go, and the other we found on the Internet. We're leaning in a certain direction although we haven't really settled on a home church yet, but I'm excited about what we've seen and experienced so far.

What's your MO for meeting people when you're new in town?

Back to School shopping [Guest Post]

Hi everyone! My name is Hope and I write the blog Hope and the Dress Code. I’m a school counselor and work in a district that with a dress code more like a corporation, less like a typical school.

Ok on to why I’m here: It’s almost time to go BACK TO SCHOOL shopping!! This is one of my favorite times of the year because it gives me free reign to go crazy-shopping with no guilt!! Totally kidding of course, I’m definitely working within a budget, but it does give me a set time of year to reevaluate pieces I need/want in my closet. Whether you work in education or not, this is a great time to add some new pieces to your work wardrobe.

My DREAM back to school shopping list is a mix of current trends and more classic pieces:

1. Mid-length skirt
I’m really digging this length, even for a shorty like me. There is nothing I’m more self-conscious about than my skirt lengths are work. The kids should not be subjected to the sight of my thigh when I sit down. Not-so-much appropriate. This mid calf skirt could solve that issue AND look current.

Love:

J Crew- Jardin Skirt

2. Colorful Cardigans
Ok ladies, can you ever have enough cardigans? I think not. I’m coming out of a bit of a neutral kick so I’d love to add bright, vibrant cardigans to my closet. I have read countless blogs with RAVING reviews of the Land’s End Heritage Cardigan. When I checked it out, I couldn’t help but to drool over the number of colors they offer. Since cardigans are such a staple in my work wardrobe and I’m always looking for the next best one.

LOVE:

Land’s End Canvas- Heritage Cardigan

3. Patterned Wrap dress
I’d love about a hundred “built-in” outfits like a simple wrap dress, though I might have to settle for just one or two. All it takes is a couple accessories (or cardigans, see #2) for me to change up the entire look.

Love:

Ann Taylor- Peacock Feather Print Wrap Dress

4. Blazer
Ok probably a lot of you are thinking, “wow she’s a bit behind the times on this one” and to you I say: you’re so right! Being a bit heavy on top, I struggle to find jackets and blazers that are flattering. I’m not exaggerating when I say I do not have a single blazer in my closet that I can wear. I’m really looking for something with more of a casual feel, less “traditional” blazer.

Love:

Loft- OE Missy Cetta Jacket

5. Animal print heels
Since leopard print flats had been on my wish list for over a year now (just couldn’t find the right ones), I decided to amp it up and go for HEELS instead. They appear to be an “in” thing for this fall and I’m always looking for interesting shoes to keep my pencil skirts looking fun.

Love:

Franco Sarto- Luxe

I hope you liked “shopping” with me and a big thanks to Angeline for having me today!

Hope rocks super-stylish and creative outfits all while keeping them within her school's restrictive dress code. Check her out at Hope and the Dress Code.

How to wear metallic shoes to work

It all started one fateful evening in May as we celebrated a successful wedding rehearsal and prepared for the next day's festivities. My friend C had a bag full of boxes for her girls, and we squealed as we opened them. I was hit immediately by the smell of quality leather and the shine of a metallic Kate Spade Carolina pump. Needless to say, I'm addicted (to that pair in specific, not actually buying Kate Spade shoes...I'm now unemployed, remember?).

The classic shape of the pump and the sophisticated hue made this a standout for the workplace as well. Which got me thinking...I know strappy party heels have no place in the office, but what about metallic shoes in classic shapes? If the metallic isn't too crazy (think lame gold or eye blinding silver), I think it works. In addition to my Kate Spade pumps, I also have a pair of well worn Nina shoes that have a bit of a sheen to them as well. Both get ample wear to the office.

Some tips on bringing the metallic shoe look into the office:

• Cover up. Metallic hues already look a little more party-friendly, so keep the shape of the shoe demure. I would stick to closed-toe or peep-toe pumps...anything that shows more skin will look a little out of place.
• Lower the heel. My general feel is that the flatter the shoe, the more leeway you have with the style. Bejeweled flats are darling, but on a heel they can look over-the-top. Metallic flats would be just perfect to spice up some office classics. Even just lowering the heel a little to a 1" or 2" would be a good step.
• Back to basics. While any color can have a metallic sheen to it, for office wear, stick to more classic pewters, bronzes, and dark golds and silvers. Your feet shouldn't be mistaken for a disco ball.
• Watch the shine. When looking for metallic colors, stay with something with a slight sheen and more matte finish. Metallic + patent is just too much for most offices.
• Balance it out. If your shoes are shiny, keep the rest of your bling to a minimum. A metallic belt and simple jewelry would off-set metallic heels better than a mess of chains or sequined top.

Some of my favorite metallic shoe picks:

Platforms by Calvin Klein

Do you wear metallic shoes to the office or do you steer clear?

Last hurrah [outfit]

Mossimo dress via Target - 2011 - $20 (similar) / J.Crew belt - 2011 - $10 (similar) / Kate Spade pumps - 2011 - gift (similar) / Premier Designs faux pearl strand - 2010 - free with purchase (similar) 

Outfit analysis: I love how the color gray can be paired with almost any color for a different feel. I love the softness of the pink and pearl, and the pumps keep it ladylike. I just love love love this dress, and hope to find a way to wear it even though I'm not in an office anymore. I wore this last Wednesday for my official farewell happy hour.
___

Goodbyes are hard. Did you know that? The past weekend has been so full of emotion, which is a weird feeling for me. This certainly isn't my first goodbye, but for some reason it's the hardest. Leaving college, I knew I'd be back in Orange County for holidays. I fell in love with New York, but wasn't all that close with any of my classmates so that wasn't so hard. Even our recent farewell trip down to Southern California wasn't too bad, since our families are there and we'll be back. But Davis and Sacramento? This is hard, and I wasn't prepared for this. I thought I'd be fine to keep blogging and packing and seeing friends until we actually get in the car and drive out of state on Friday, but I'm not so sure anymore. I've got some super guest bloggers that will be featured over the next few weeks, but please bear with me through this transition.

How do you deal with goodbyes?

Totally me [outfit]

Banana Republic suit blazer - $100ish on sale (similar) / J. Crew blouse - 2009 - $20 on sale (similar) / Rockabilly jeans via Renew Denim - $40 on sale (similar) / Calvin Klein pumps via Off Broadway - 2007 - $70 on sale (similar) / American Eagle outlet necklace - 2011 - $4 on sale (similar) / Mossimo tank via Target - 2011 - $9 (available)

Outfit analysis: This outfit just felt...right. It felt like "me." A nice jean, a crisp button-up in a not-too-girly color, an awesome blazer, heels, and sparkles. In this outfit, my step is just a little quicker, my chin held a little higher, and my smile a little brighter. This outfit is all about amazing fit...all of these pieces fit my body really well, and a good fit makes any body look great. It's also very covered, but because of the fit, you see my figure. Not such a big fan of the blazer closed, but overall, did I mention I love this outfit?
___

No, I'm not wearing fully covered and black clothes in July—this outfit was from June 1 and I just never posted it! I usually post within a week of taking a photo, but sometimes I do take photos of outfits I know I might not post for days like this (and for my Facebook exclusives album).

Speaking of outfit posts, I've been thinking and thinking and thinking about what direction to take this blog in once my office job ends this Friday. We're taking a two week road trip (I have some guest bloggers lined up for some fabulous posts for y'all) and then I'll be plunging right into my new life of being a freelance writer.

Things I want to keep:

• Outfit photos. They just might not all be officewear.
• Professional and career topics. Even freelancers have to develop professionally.

Some ideas I've tossed around for themes/topics:

• I have a long-term goal of spicing up my casual wardrobe. My off-hours wear still consists mostly of tee-shirts, jeans, and flip flops. Now that there won't be as big of a distinction between off-duty and on-duty, I want to start dressing more interestingly even when I'm going casual. This could be a new theme to the blog.
• More fashion trend-type stories (like I used to do clusters and wish lists).
• More DIYs, now that I'll have time to learn some.
• Adding more of my personal life into the blog.

Do any of these catch your fancy? What would you like on the blog as it evolves? Leave a comment below (or you can email me, too).

Happy hours and lunches [outfit]

BR Factory Store tiered tee - 2011 - $6 on sale/clearance/coupon (similar) / The Limited tulip skirt - 2009 - $20 on sale (similar) / Mossimo pumps via Target - 2010 - $10 on sale (similar) / J. Crew Outlet belt - 2011 - $5 on clearance (similar) / Necklace via Gottschalk's - 2008? - $6 on clearance (similar)

Outfit analysis: Aside from the shoes, which are just bearable, this has to be one of my most comfortable outfits yet. I like that this skirt doesn't cinch too tightly at the waist and has a forgiving tulip shape. I love the softness of the tee (although it could use an ironing...those tiers did not weather the washer well at all). I like the colors, which are soft without being too pastel and girly. I like the hair, even if it doesn't look as nice in the back as I imagined and especially because it was a happy accident—I braided my still-wet hair so it would be out of my face while I put on my make-up and just never took it down. It did need a bobby pin by midday, though, since my layers are still a little too short for this hairstyle.
___

The countdown is on...eight working days left at the Day Job. It's also celebration season, so this outfit was worn to work and then to a happy hour to celebrate a coworker's graduation from business school. Leaving in the summer is apparently a bit awkward, since several of my coworkers will be on vacation on my last day, which means the happy hours and good-bye lunches will be starting soon. I already have most nights this week booked: my last book club meeting tonight, my last Sacramento fashion bloggers meet-up, and my last Sacramento Rivercats game. For the next 2.5 weeks, everything I do will be titled "the last _____ (while I live in CA)."

This past weekend was full of see-you-laters as well. We spent four days immersed in family and friend time in Southern California, visiting our parents, K's grandma and grandpa (on different sides), K's sister and her family, and our closest friends. Of course, with just one weekend to spare, there were many faces we missed seeing, but it's comforting to know that we'll still be gravitating home for all the major holidays and any other excuse we can come up with. One of the things K and I are most grateful for is the closeness of our families, in geography and in relationship. Our parents live less than an hour apart and communicate pretty regularly with each other. It's not something we thought about much before we got married, and our parents never hung out much before that, but we're really happy with how things have developed.

Enough with the sappiness. Happy hours and lunches, happy hours and lunches. All good things.

How do you celebrate or mark milestones at work? Do you prefer after-work happy hours or midday lunch breaks?

The brighter, the better [outfit]

Hawaiian dress - 2011 - swapped (similar) / J.Crew belt - 2011 - $10 on sale (similar) / Nine West pumps via Ross - 2009 - $25 (similar) / Faux pearls (similar)

Outfit analysis: This dress is a tad loose, but a skinny belt cinches it in nicely. I love the fullness of the skirt, the front pockets, and the bright colors. Simple accessories let the print be the star of the ensemble, although I think I could have coordinated the shoes better with my other accessories.
___

I'm going to be honest—I wasn't so sure about this dress. I grabbed it off the table at a swap, glanced at the size and saw it was somewhat around mine, and took it home with me. It sat in my closet for months, and I glided right by it for many an event...weddings, dinners, graduations. It caught my eye at the swap, but for some reason I hadn't even tried it on once since I brought it home.

One day I decided I had to try it. I'm purging as much as possible before the move, so I needed to know if this piece would work or if it needed to be tossed. Gosh it was pretty. The colors were so nice. The fabric is heavy and elegant. The pockets are adorable, even if they do form a slightly unflattering dropwaist look. The length was perfect.

I zipped it up, turned around...and was not all that impressed. It looked pretty shapeless. I apparently had swapped on one of those days where I mis-perceived my own size (in no small part due to the crazy large lunch I had right before hand). If I'd been buying this at retail, I would have needed an entire size down. But it wasn't retail, and there wasn't another. The label is some Hawaiian sounding brand I can't remember (and I'm at my parents' house typing this so I can't check). So it was either make do or throw out.

Last ditch effort: belt it. And wha-la. The dress lives to see at least one more day. Still not sure on the shoes, though...what color shoes do you wear with such a loud dress?!? Even so, I'm glad this piece found its place in my closet. This sheath-lovin' gal has found a place in her heart for an A-line dress. World peace is possible.

How many chances do you give a piece before you pass it on to its next destination? Do you kick it out once it stops working for you or do you hang on just a little longer?

First lady [outfit]

A'gaci blazer - 2011 - $26 (similar) / Ann Taylor Factory Store top - 2011 - $20 on sale (similar) / LOFT pencil skirt - 2009 - $13 on sale (similar) / Kate Spade pewter pumps - 2011 - gift (similar) / Natural pearls - 2007 - gift (similar) / Nancy Rosetta circle ring - 2010 - gift (similar)

Outfit analysis: Speaking of small steps, this is the fourth time I've worn this blazer, and the first time I've busted out of the white tee - blue jeans combo. I started this look with the top untucked and a black belt around the natural waistline, but a) it just didn't look right and b) it definitely didn't look right once I added the blazer. I could probably have added a belt onto the tucked look, too, but I like it without just the same. And something about wearing a colorful outfit makes me reach for these shoes, but I'm not complaining.
___

I'm not actually a first lady (duh), but my husband does study the presidency and the piping on this jacket is just so DC chic that I went for the title anyway. But come to think of it, this outfit looks kind of like it could have been picked by the fabulously stylish Michelle Obama herself. Classic pieces. Fun colors. A mix of affordable (LOFT, A'Gaci) and high-end (Kate Spade). My husband always gets asked if he plans on entering politics (the answer is no), but if he ever did, I think I know what I'm wearing to his swearing-in.

Who is your style inspiration? What draws you to their style?

Mad, mad world [outfit]

Gap dress - 2011 - $25 (similar) / Nina Paladin pumps via Ross - 2009 - $16 (similar) / J.Crew outlet belt - 2011 - $5 (similar) / Vintage frame bag via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $12 (similar) / Necklace via Gottschalks - 2009 - $6 (similar) / Silver ball studs via Target - cheap (similar)

Outfit analysis: The sleeves, wide neckline, and defined waist of this dress really hearken back to the Mad Men days. I think the bag only adds to that vibe, and I like it. Looking back at this outfit now, I sort of wish I'd tried it with my braided leather belt, to carry the color of the bag through to the outfit, and maybe another necklace. Although I really do think the leopard print of the belt is a nice touch. Well, that was rambly. Bottom line: I liked this outfit. It was easy. It was comfy.
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When I get a new item of clothing, I tend to start out simply and then branch out. That was the case with my gray Target dress (iteration 1, 2, 3), and that's how I'm approaching this dress as well. Sure, I have an idea of how I'll be styling the item when I buy it, but in reality it often takes me a few tries to figure the piece out. This styling isn't all that different from the first time, but hey, it's only my second try, so cut me some slack, okay? Any ideas for my next try with this dress?

How do you approach working a new piece into your wardrobe? Do you try out the waters one toe at a time or do you cannonball right in?

Burst of color [outfit]

H&M cardigan - 2009 - $30 (similar) / The Limited top - 2009 - $20 (similar) / Target skirt - 2007 - $6 (similar) / J.Crew belt - 2011 - $10 (similar) / Kate Spade pumps - 2011 - gift (similar here and here) / American Eagle necklace - 2010 - $7 (similar)

Outfit analysis: Red, teal, and pink? This color combination is pretty wild (compared to my usual), but I really, really like it! The belt balances out the full skirt, and the neutral cardigan and metallic heels anchor the colors. I originally picked out the top and skirt, and will probably try them together without the cardigan when it warms up.
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Thanks for the great advice, friends, on how to get out of a style rut. I ended up going the color route, as evidenced by this colorful outfit. I know, it's not super out-there, but just the fact that there are more colors than there are neutrals is a big step. I've worn teal and red together before, but the red is usually just a belt or a shoe.

I've been doing a major closet clean-out as we prepare for the move. I don't mean my every-few-months get rid of stuff I don't like type of clean-out. I'm talking the toss-it-if-I-can't-see-myself-wearing-it-in-Miami type of clean-out (also known as a get-rid-of-as-much-as-possible-so-there's-less-to-move clean-out). Aside from weather, one of the biggest changes happening when I move is that I won't be going into an office everyday anymore.

What the?? Yup. I've decided to try my hand at freelancing (writing, editing, social media, etc.) for a minimum of one year. Full-time freelancing has always been tempting, and I actually planned on doing just that when I first moved up to Sacramento, but with a student-husband earning a student-income, we needed something more steady, and I was lucky to find a great job rather quickly. Now that he's got a job of his own (making more than we do now put together), it's a great time for me to pursue my dream freelance career. When else will I be forced to quit my full-time job, still have a sustainable income while adding to our savings each month, and not have a mortgage, debt, or children to support? Sure, it will be challenging—I'm prepared for much discouragement and disappointment as I start out—but since much of my work is done online anyway, I'm hoping to use the networks I've built everywhere I've worked (Orange County, NYC, and Sac) as a jumping-off point. A one-year minimum will give me time to learn from my beginner mistakes and see if this is a viable long-term career choice. I plan on continuing this blog after I move, but there will definitely be changes (still working that out).

Any tips for the first-time full-time freelancer?