Polka Dot Peplum

This one is from the first day of school this year. This would still work for fall with just a textured blazer or a jean jacket added.

Tahari dress // Banana Republic shoes // Ebay necklace // Target earrings // LOFT sunglasses

Orange and Navy

J Crew Factory sweater // Forever 21 shirt // Akira necklace  // LOFT Sunglasses

Banana Republic skirt // Ebay earrings // Chinese Laundry shoes

Hoodie to Work

H&M hoodie // J Crew shirt // Express pants // Zara shoes

Chambray, Plaid Skirt, Leopard Wedges

Gap skirt // Forever 21 shirt // Pour La Victoire purse // Rampage shoes

Stripes on Stripes

Merona pants, blazer, and tank // Forever 21 necklace // Gap sunglasses // Old Navy shoes 

Dots and Tuxedo Pants

shirt: Ann Taylor // necklace and earrings: Forever 21 // pants: Old Navy // shoes: Chinese Laundry

Easy Breezy Rose Gold Spikes

necklace and blouse: Forever 21 // pants: Old Navy // rings: Akira, Ebay

Chihuahua Tank to Work

blazer and skirt: Merona // tank: H&M // sunglasses: LOFT // sandals: Rampage (similar)

Go-to Tuesday: Professional Blazers at H&M

I have a well documented love affair with a good blazer. I buy them from all over, but when I know I NEED one that fits and have only enough time to go to one store, H&M has me covered. For whatever reason, I can always find a good fit (usually through trying on several options), plus you know the style and price are always right!

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.

Go-to Tuesday: Button Down Shirts at J Crew

I am a (relatively) recent convert to the beautiful versatility of the button down shirt. Previously, any button down I had tried on made me feel butch and/or just not myself. But, for some reason, virtually ANY J Crew button down blouse - any fit, and within a size or two of my usual - feels spectacularly comfortable, chic, and "me". I have a sneaking suspicion, that beyond just fit, the teeny little collar has something to do with making the overall feel more feminine.

Even if you don't think you are a button down person, I urge you to pop in to your local J Crew and give them a whirl. You may surprise yourself!

Sweatpants to Work?!??!

I was sure to wear this outfit on Dress Down Friday, just to be on the safe side, but I think this could be a perfectly acceptable work look in a more fashion-y environment! These are FANCY sweatpants, which can be deciphered from the contrast trim on the pockets and bow, the slim cropped fit, and zero evidence of elastic. Paired with a fitted shell (which is technically a workout top!), a relaxed blazer, and awesome heels, these sweatpants take on a chic, intentional vibe.

[Truth be told: I had to sub that day so when I changed into my chanclas and took off the jacket, a student earnestly asked if I was in my pajamas.]

Jacket Krisa (similar)

Shirt Paiva (similar)

Pants Zara (similar, similar, similar)

Shoes Latitude Femme (similar)

Earrings old

Bracelet Ebay

Shifty Eyes: Black Shift with Orange Silver Tan Wedges

Sometimes one picture is all you need. BAM.

Sunnies Gap (similar)

Dress H&M (similar)

Bracelet ? (similar)

Band-Aid Cynthia Rowley

Shoes Latitude Femme (similar)

Stick Shift: Black Shift with Mint and Red

As I mentioned before, during the last month of school, I found myself reaching for basic black and/or white pieces. This week's unofficial theme will be these looks.

I bought this dress for our engagement shoot (YES, it's been 6 months since we actually got engaged...), and am fully obsessed. I was looking for a timeless black shift, and I loved how the subtle pattern (and back cutout!) made this one special.

This dress was made for a much taller woman, so for about $15 I had the shoulders taken in. Now the waist hits where it should, and it fits like a glove.

Necklace Forever 21 (similar)

Dress H&M (another special shift)

Shoes J.Crew (similar)

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