I was recently in NYC for a friend's wedding and of course I went shopping, maybe I did a lot of shopping even. While trying on all of what the wonderful world of NYC had to offer I tried on a drop waist dress. It wasn't quite perfect but 2 weeks later and I am craving the shape. I know that it is something I need in my closet sooner rather than later. The hunt is on.
The Outnet £165
Reiss £159
Need Supply $178
Asos £38
A friend asked me to help her out. She doesn't enjoy shopping but wanted some new work pieces to help round out her wardrobe, so would I help? Of course. She already had all the essentials so now it was time to perhaps have a little more fun with her 9-5 wardrobe. Here is what we found.
This midi skirt from Zara in a jewel toned green. The possibilities are seriously endless and midi skirts are everywhere.
Pair this with a simple button down, like this one from Uniqlo, which is my favorite out there at this price point or add a little personality with checks via this shirt from Zara.
This skirt would also look great with a fitted turtleneck (aka roll neck) like this merino one from the Gap or a longer sweater in a similar color family like this one from Madewell.
Either of these looks would be perfectly finished off with a pair of patent classic pumps. How about these from Sarah Jessica Parker's line? (Be still my heart.....)
Zara £35.99
Anthropologie
Work with me for one second because this image does NO justice to how cute this skirt was in person, which is just one reason as to why I am not a huge online shopper. This little number from Anthropologie, sadly no longer available, but I think this is a good alternative, and was exactly what my friends' closet needed.
She hesitated at first, and I will admit I was a little concerned about the length as her job is very corporate. But she tried it on and I could honestly not stop grinning, it was stunning on her.
The neon stripe was exactly the right pop of color, and this is again easily paired with a button down or a simple black sweater with tights a black blazer and pumps (see recommendations above)and would work for any corporate environment.
This is also the perfect piece to work into your weekend wardrobe or date night. An absolute gem.
Wear me forever and with anything is what this 100% cashmere crew neck sweater from Uniqlo screams.
Do you seriously need to see what this sweater can go with? I mean it really is the wear with ANYTHING number in a color that is never going to be out of style. As we transition into fall I would wear this with a thicker cream/white skirt, go on, you chose the cut. The cream/white and beige color palate looks great on almost anyone but especially if your skin is a darker tone. Play this very classic look up with some fun shoes like these or these from J. Crew and a great fall coat, perhaps even a leather jacket, this one from Banana Republic would do, or a puffer vest, this one from J. Crew, for those drinks with friends post the end of a long work day.
Uniqlo £59.90
A little color, unexpected shapes and of course wear forever pieces are always great closet additions.
Three pieces, wearable to work, on the weekend, and for fun nights out aren't much, but if you already have the staples you really don't need to buy much each season, or break the bank, you just need a few one offs depending on the trends you like and want to work in. Et voila!
We all have a weakness right? Yours may be ice cream, flamin' hot cheetos, lipstick or shoes. Mine is coats (ok, as well as flamin' hot cheetos). I have more coats then I need but it is because I buy one about every two years but refuse to throw any of my old ones out. I think I finally got rid of a cream coat, that just wouldn't go back to being cream no matter what my dry cleaner tried. I had this thing for 8 years. Do you know what an 8 year old cream coat ends up looking like? And still the decision took hours.
What I am getting at is that I am obsessed with coats, so brace yourselves, many a post on coats for fall/winter 2014/15 starts today. Hello current obsessions, thank you & Other Stories and their Ada Kokosar 'story'.
The coats are all classic shapes with just the right updates. You have the classic trench shape in the burgundy, the double breasted coat in a gorgeous turquoise (also comes in black), note the slightly popped collar for the extra edge, and finally the navy coat with the notched standing collar. In order of appearance these run £165, £165 and £185.
P.S. don't forget & Other Stories is slated to open their first brick and mortar store in SoHo NYC before the end of this year.
It has been a manic two weeks. Work, Sweden, friends, work, house hunting, work. You get it.
I am back though and getting used to the cool evenings and even cooler mornings. That being said the weather is still just right for some skirts. Here are some perfects skirts to wear now.
Summer is far from over, but the morning and the nights are starting to cool down in London. Here are some perfect little jackets, all from Club Monaco, that you can get now and that will carry you effortlessly and stylishly into fall.
Danny Quilted Jacket $189.50
Nolicia Striped Moto Jacket $189
Marteena Jacket $279
Jasna Blazer $398
Lillian Cropped Wool Jacket $179
Iva Knit Jacket $249
All images courtesy of Club Monaco
It is no revelation that I am a bit obsessed with J. Crew, and their latest wear to work looks are my latest obsession.
I am by no means saying you must run out and buy these looks but if nothing else use the looks to have a fresh look at your closet, any shoes that you can pair to give that 9-5 a little kick in the pants on a Monday or a trench dress (which was also featured from Kule, back here, a theme perhaps?!) to mix things up!
Happy Monday!
1035 Jacket $248, 1035 Trousers $148, Demylee Loren Cashmere Polo $334, Kelsey Dress $198, Patch Pocket Dress $228, Trench Dress, $228, Casey Dress $198
All available via J.Crew's Wear To Work shop
I got a wrap effect top about a year ago at COS and it has become a closet favorite. I never buy the same thing twice, but of this I wish I had!
Wrap effect tops are also a great summer wardrobe addition. Pair one with a simple skirt or a pair of pants, you are ready and out the door in no time.
I discovered Judith and Charles while working for a Canadian Bank. One of my Canadian colleagues who looked nothing short of stunning on a daily basis introduced me to them about 2 years ago. At that time Judith and Charles was only available in Canada. Nowadays there is a Manhattan boutique as well as one in Qatar. Judith and Charles is certainly one to watch out for, and if you don't live in Canada, NYC or Doha, you can order online but beware as the international shipping is EXPENSIVE.
Talbot top C$ 350
Pacer Pant C$235
Dome Dress C$435
Charlie Coat C$650
Prabal Gurung via Matches £730
I would certainly NOT describe myself as a girly girl. I think that explains one of the reasons that I have not only survived in my industry, one that is still completely male dominated, but has seen me flourish and grown to find a place for myself in it over the years.
However, In the past few years I have been leaning much more to clothing that is a bit more girly and feminine. I typically love to pair softer pieces with tougher accessories or shoes, but as I look over my closet I must admit I have quite a few things now that have bows. YES, BOWS.
Here is the latest objection of my attention when it comes to items with bows. Thank you Prabal Gurung.
The button down white shirt is everywhere, and to prove it here are some great, work appropriate stylings, from across the internet and blog-o-sphere.
This months work essential item is the white button down. Every woman, no matter your vocation, job position, or pay grade needs at least one of these in your closet. This item is so simple, but right now the options are endless, which means you probably need two styles. An important tip, one that I learned too late, when you do find that 'perfect' white button down, buy two, maybe three, because white shirts sadly do not last forever. I will never forget you my Zara white button down!
My current closet favorite is the from Uniqlo (available here, for £19, also available in the US). The weight of the cotton is perfect, it doesn't gap in the chest and the collar has buttons, which gives you options and I love options.
JNY via Bloomingdales $79
Lafayette 148 via Bloomingdales $348
Uniqlo £19
Images courtesy Elle Canada, Style Caster and The-Opsis
