Graphic Tee Tucked into a Pencil Skirt

Here's a SUPER simple way to update your work wardrobe: tuck a graphic tee into a pencil skirt and top with a jacket (mine is leather, yours could be a blazer). If you are testing the waters, start with pictures rather than words, and keep the rest of the outfit very conservative.

Style Stalking: Leathers and Tigers and Studs, Oh My!

I don't know how crazy I am about Jessica Alba's exact outfit here, but I think The Budget Babe picked up on the cuteness of the overall idea like I did. I have a zillion tees with a picture on the front, but I rarely wear them because they don't feel particularly stylish. But tucked into a pencil skirt - a leather pencil skirt, at that! - this tiger tee looks perfectly sophisticated.

Style Stalking: Modern Grunge with See Jane

Sometimes, it seems like many of the style bloggers I follow are all wearing different versions of the same outfit: statement necklace,  a LOT of J Crew, and some "it" bag that costs more than my rent. I bookmarked Pretty Grunge from See Jane because I felt like I hadn't seen it before. I don't really own anything similar to these pieces (maybe the jacket?), but I am DEFINITELY feeling the 90s vibe these days and this one is done well: simple, modern, interesting.

Style Stalking: Rumpled Plaid with Bows & Sequins

This post, called Fancy Footwear, from Bows & Sequins originally caught my eye because that's the sold out J Crew shirt I spent forever tracking down on eBay last winter! But what seemed interesting to me was that the shirt was clearly not ironed. I thought maybe Jessica was slipping up her game, but then I saw a few other posts with similarly rumpled shirts. The wrinkles are a styling choice for a laid back look!

Olive Coat with Leather Trim and Fur Hood

I think I had a pretty cute outfit on under here, but I was too cold to take off my coat! So, here's a look at my newest addition to my coat collection. It's a Laundry find from TJ Maxx, with a zip-off fur hood (removed in this picture). It's not as warm as it ought to be, but I'll be damned if it isn't adorable.

Polka Dot Blouse with Fancy Sweatpants

If you don't have a pair of fancy black sweatpants, what are you waiting for, girl?! Besides obviously being super comfy and warm, they are also surprisingly versatile. As long as you keep everything else pretty dressy, sweatpants shed their sloppy vibe and become a super cool (and did I mention comfortable...?) alternative to your usual pants.

Van Halen Tee in the Boardroom

This is a prime example of a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Each piece seems like it could be a little too casual for work (a concert tee, a leather skirt, a cotton cardigan, leopard pumps) but when put all together with a pile of pearls, it takes on a suit-vibe. In fact, this is one of the most professional looks I've had this year!

Star Hoodie with Leather Pencil Skirt

I found this sweatshirt in the kids department at Old Navy. Apparently, it was a big hit because it sold out already. 

If you haven't bought yourself a (faux)leather pencil skirt yet, YOU NEED ONE. I wear this bad boy to work, to dinner, and I almost wore it to a cocktail event (decided on something else at the last minute, but it would've worked beautifully).

Fancy Sweatpants for Nordstrom Trend Show

Not very timely post, but a great outfit nonetheless! This is what I wore to the Nordstrom Trend Show for Fall. This was outrageously comfortable, and I still continue to get compliments on these Vince Camuto shoes every time I wear them.

Leather Tuxedo Leggings and Colorblock Tunic

This great tunic is from Target, but I couldn't find it online. I've reworn this super cozy outfit (minus the heels!) several times.

Leather Tank with Beachy Accessories

Last day of work clothes (though it doesn't even look like it)! I wore this on the second to last day of school. This is the faux leather Zara tank I wore as a layering piece before. Here, I'm wearing it more at it was intended. I added some beachy accessories to give it a more relaxed vibe.

similar Shirt // similar Red Necklace // similar Yellow Necklace (on sale!) // similar Bracelet // Jeans // similar Shoes

Weave Me Alone

It is officially summer, but I still have a ton of school looks in the archives. Here's a super flattering work - but super boring - work dress that's been in my closet for a while. I decided to swap out the matching belt and add a few textured pieces to give this wool number more of a warm weather feel.

Dress Calvin Klein (similar)

Belt gift from Dad (similar)

Bracelet Mom's ("Did you rob that woman?!" -Jill) (similar)

Shoes old - no label (similar)

Sunnies Gap

Bomb Dude

I'm working a little bit of a 70s vibe here. The weather has been all over the place, so I took the cold front as an opportunity to sneak this plaid shirt in while I still can. I've been OBSESSED with finding this shirt - which I saw on several bloggers, but found J Crew only had 10s left. I saved an ebay search, and at 3am one night, I spotted this one and paid more than I might have at a more reasonable hour! Upon it's arrival, I wasn't sure this was the exact one, but I still adore it. This baby will be in high rotation come Fall.

Jacket Collection B (similar)

Shirt J. Crew (similar)

Belt Michael Kors (similar)

Jeans Gap (similar)

Shoes Dr. Scholl's (similar)

4-Leather Word

This was another post wedding gown shopping impulse buy. It's hard to tell in the pictures, but this tank is a light beige faux leather racerback tank with cute seams in the front.

I imagined only wearing this alone with some ripped up jeans, but I decided to pair it with this super old shirt that I can;t seem to get rid of. The sleeves and neckline are awesome, but it has shrunk to pretty much a belly top. So, layering is the perfect solution!

And yes, I am seeking a 12 step program for my faux leather addiction. I can quit any time I want! (No, I can't...)

Long sleeve Laundry (similar)

Leather tank Zara (bought recently in store, similar)

Pants Express

Shoes Old Navy

Earrings Forever 21 (similar)