Industry Style, Dressing for Work

Ruche's latest lookbook, The Industry: A Professional Fall Wardrobe, couldn't have come at a better time seeing as how my mind is on dressing for work this week. 

My favorite pieces from the lookbook:

1) andrassey avonlea chrochet blouse $43.99 2) annaleigh pleated skirt $36.99 3) palais royal scarlet peep toe heels $34.99 4)  leonella pendant ring $9.99 5) merry mint bow top $35.99 6) changing seasons corduroy pants $38.99

Check out all of Ruche's affordable options here. 

Tomato (to wear)

1) necklace no. 5 $58 via lacoli & mcallister

2) dixie trousers $98 via anthropologie

3) fold over clutch in orange $130 via need supply

4) espadrille wedge tomato $105 via mariasusa

5) stretch woven vintage swimsuit $125 via jcrew

6) reality bites dress $75 via need supply

7) necklace no. 3 via lacoli & mcallister

8) red sleeveless tie front shirt $48 via topshop

9) pleated chiffon mini skirt $49 via uo

10) worishofer 251 sandal $59.95 via endless

All the toe-may-toe-y goodness makes me happy. It's the kind of color never fails to brighten my day. See anything you like?

Perfect Summer Skirt?

I haven't visited an American Apparel shop in quite some time so when I went into one this past weekend, I was pleasantly surprised to find these adorable full woven skirts. They're 100% cotton and can be layered for the fall but are lightweight enough for hot weather and they're not ridiculously short! I really love the striped options. If you're looking for a longer length skirt, this one is pretty stinking cute too.

Fall Shopping: Skirts

I have the hardest time wearing skirts, especially office appropriate skirts.  I can't seem to find anything that doesn't bunch when I walk, stick to tights, pinch my waist, or simply make me incredibly aggravated.  Needless to say, I'm ready to throw in the towel with my skirt wearing endeavors but I've noticed that this season, there's more variety in the style and shapes of skirts for the hemline I'm seeking (i.e. pencil skirts are no longer the only option).  I'm willing to give it another whirl and am even willing to try a maxi length if that means I'll be comfortable.  Here are my picks for under $100:

Pleated Skirt $44.99 and Ruffle Hem Skirt $46.40

Skirt Afrika $39.99 and Pure & Simple Fold Over Waistband Pencil skirt $46

In the Marketplace Skirt $64.99 and Tumbler Maxi Skirt $78

Sparkle and Fade Voile Skirt $58 and Pins and Needles High Waisted Skirt $58  

What's your favorite style of skirt to wear?  If you have any skirt wearing/shopping suggestions, I'd love to hear them.  

Makool Loves You (and I do too)

I first saw the shop Makool Loves You on Design is Mine   This Portland based shop has a lot of reasonably priced goodies so of course I have to share my favorite items with you.

from top:  barquentine skirt $128;  pantalette set $52 (was $138); houlska $78; overgaard $88; blue agate $89

Isn't the styling spot on as well?  I really want BOTH of those skirts. I can't be bothered with pants when it gets warmer.

p.s. don't forget about the little piggy that could save...

Handmade Clothing: Janey

I realize in my haste to get things done, I completely ignored St. Patty's day.  I know I'm a day late, but I thought I'd celebrate the day in my own way, by highlighting a talented Irish clothing designer, Janey.  I ran across her work on Etsy and I adore the way she styles her pictures (look at that beach!) and her clothing downright adorable.

Baptiste gathered skirt $45

Molly Turquoise Peekaboo T-shirt $45

Molly Magenta TShirt $45

Molly Aubergine peekaboo TShirt $45

At $45 a pop, you get two pieces for under $100 and how amazing is that sequin detailing in the second photo? 

Brighten Up with Floral Skirts

It's raining here, heavily and steadily. I'm wearing a skirt today but it's not floral and I wish it was. Days like today call for cheer-me-up flirty florals.
All of my picks below are under $50 (with the exception of one priced at $52)!

Potpurri Skirt in Floral $26 via Lulu's
Radiance Floral Skirt $14.80 via F21
magenta petunias mini skirt $29.99 via Ruche
Be My Valentine Skirt $49.99 via Modcloth


Bayou Rose Skirt $52.99 via Modcloth
A Raised Hemline Skirt $39.95 (was $158) via Anthropologie
Sangria Red floral feminine reconstructed vintage skirt $42 via Beta Boutique
Tall Floral Bodycon Skirt $50 via TopShop

The great thing about floral skirts and dresses and is that they translate to every season with the right layering. Floral skirts have a permanent home in my closet.
Do you have a go to, cheerful outfit or piece that you depend on?

New series: Orange Crush

Hello dearest readers and welcome to the first edition of "Orange Crush" a collaborative series between myself and the interior guru Alek of From the Right Bank to the Left Coast.
As I'm sure you can already tell, this series is about all things orange and I couldn't have a better partner in crime. Our shared desire is to discerningly discuss the best side of orange, an often neglected and overlooked color. Monthly, Alek and I will kindly press upon you- our favorite readers - the challenge of using orange in a fresh, stylish, and uncomplicated manner. Our hope is, that if you aren't already an orange advocate, that you'll at least grow a certain fondness for this special color.
~
I know that many of you, if not the majority of you reading this blog, have trouble wearing orange...I know I do. Being in the south, I don't want to mistakenly be taken for a Tennessee fan, a fashion misstep in and of itself (sorry Tennessee fans, just saying). I've collected a few wearable orange pieces that I dare you to try out...ok, double dog dare you! Oh, I almost forgot to mention, these pieces are all priced under $100!

If you fear that orange will wash you out, why not try it on your bottom half? The white/orange combo in this dress makes it easy to wear and the top detailing is very sweet.
aryn k- women's cottage dress $69
via 80's purple
J.Crew has always done orange well and their new fall pieces are no exception. Perhaps my favorite is the slinky, crinkly, sheeny (like those adjectives?) metallic skirt. This skirt would translate well from the office to drinks downtown.
Hammered Metal Skirt $78
via J.Crew
Looking for a sexy, colorful shoe? Look no further.
Seychelles Turnaround $74.99
via Piperlime
You didn't think I was going to leave out my favorite accessory did you? Try an orange scarf around your neck for an unexpected pop of color.
vintage VERA scarf Peach floral print Ladybug signature $18
via the Vintageholic frog
Still a little wary and not yet willing to commit? Try a small but bold brooch on your fall jacket or cardigan. This one has me drooling.
Jeweled starburst pin $68
via J.Crew
Make sure to to check out the other half of this series here (major decor eye candy!) We'd love your feedback and any suggestions or requests you may have.
Would you wear any of these pieces?

I'm back from Savannah and the trip, although emotional, actually turned out to be a lot of fun. Don't get me wrong here, I wish that the trip had been under much different circumstances, but I was with some of my closest friends and we made the best of a difficult situation. Thank you for all of you warm thoughts and kindness and please continue to keep my friend in your prayers.

On a more superficial note, on the way back from Savannah we stopped at a local Urban Outfitters (I know I'm on a budget, but following rules was never a strong suit). The "impromptu" trip ended with me spending a bit more money than I had planned, b/c I had planned on spending NO money. But hey, at least I spent my money well and if I'm going to be poor, I'll be stylishly poor. Here's what I bought:

Round Circle Stamp Rug $14
I'll place these two rugs in the stair landing leading to the upstairs space. The stairs double back on themselves so we needed something to bring our decor "down" into the stairwell. They will also serve the purpose of getting the dirt off of our shoes before entering the living area.
Round Indigo Floral Rug $14
This dress is so comfortable and the vertical strips along the side helps lengthen the figure. Had it been horizontal all the way across, it would not have had enough shape for me. I'll throw on a cropped blazer, belt and boots for work and a simple pair of sandals for non-work time. I have a feeling I'm going to live in this dress come summer. You can't see the little pockets at the bottom in this photo, but they sealed the deal for me.
BDG Striped T Shirt Dress $39.99 (sale online) I payed $48 in the store...grrrr.
These sandals are comfortable and the off white will go with pretty much anything. The back zipper make them just a bit funky.
Twist Filigree Gladiator $38
Here are a couple of items I didn't buy but totally would if my self control hadn't kicked in:
Metallic Linen Ruffle Wallet $28
The light gray color and exposed zipper combo are a perfect nod to the 80's. Click here for more exposed zippers.
Silence and Noise Denim Zipper Skirt $68
This belt is the perfect width (any bigger and I'm uncomfortable.) The stretch makes it super easy to wear.
Knot Leather Stretch Belt $24
Ok, so I had been doing really well not impulse shopping, but I think seeing things in person makes my self control crumble. Do you have the same problem? Do you think online shopping allows for more self control or are you able to walk away regardless?

Fly sale (outfit #4)

Bluefly is having an extra 10% off sale today only and it only took me about 5 seconds to find something I REALLY want (maybe I have a problem?).

BCBGeneration satinwood strip linen high-waste skirt $59.92 (from 58.80)
What might I wear with this skirt (you might ask)? Well these other pieces from Bluefly will do. Note- This outfit does not reflect my normal frugality, but I can dream, right?:
Pour la Victoire whiskey leather 'Natasha' Sandals (leather and whiskey, ummmm) $116.10
Tuck this blouse into the skirt for a clean but comfortable look.
Diesel White Poplin 'Spoki' Ruffle bib blouse $129.60
I'd tie this fabulous scarf around my head:
Diane Von Furstenberg yellow leaf print crinkled silk voile scarf $86.40And a beautiful bag to top it all off...
Monserat de Lucca mustard leather 'Artacho' Satchel $229.50

source for all photos: Bluefly
Alrighty, now that I've had my fun, I'm off to grants work again (sigh).

Flower power hour

I don't know if I'm ready, but I hope you're ready for this season's floral spring trend. Some people hate to wear lots of flower patterns, other love it; I'm kind of in the middle. If I'm going to wear something covered in flowers I prefer that it be structured (no chiffon, please) and paired with neutral accessories. Some of the floral patterns I've run across make me nervous, but since I'm wanting to wear more skirts, I thought I'd post some floral pieces I find bearable. I think w/this trend, it's safe to say, "less is more."

Edgy meets feminine:
Bow Rose Skirt $61
source: Pixie Market
Stylized floral in neutral colors:
Midnight Roses Pencil Skirt $59
source: Ann Taylor Loft
Here's an example of a playful pattern in a classic, structured shape.
Knee length tulip skirt $39 (on sale)
source: Newport News
Retro shape meets a modern color palette.
Retro-Full Skirt $59.50
source: The Limited
So where do you fall on the flower loving spectrum? Are you liking the floral pieces you're seeing in stores or do you wish flower power would stay in the 70's?

Updated jean skirt

You know what I haven't worn in quite a while...a jean skirt. I think I'd like to try it out again b/c they seem so versatile and, with the right one, can be dressed up or down. There's something very young and fresh about this piece of clothing, but it can be tricky especially if you're opting for a denim mini (which I am not). To narrow down my search, I'm only posting ones that I could wear to work:
Denim pencil skirt $69
source: Banana Republic
Belted Denim pencil skirt $69
source: Ann Taylor
Concrete Ocean Skirt $88
source: Anthropologie
ELLE Denim Tulip Skirt $29.99 (on sale)
source: Kohls
If I had one of these, I could get away with wearing denim during the week and not just on Friday...oh Friday you are so far away.

xyz, zipper up

I decided to wear a gray shift w/an exposed zipper (on the back) to work today which was an unusual choice as it's a bit shorter and I try to be as professional as possible. After my bad day yesterday, I was feeling a bit frisky this morning and figured if they sent me home, well, I'd be at home and would have a good excuse to stay there. Needless to say, no one has commented on the length, but I have had many comments on the exposed zipper, most having to do w/my dress being inside out. It's gotten to the point where after some eyes me curiously I state w/out prompt, "it's an exposed zipper, it's not inside out" and they always reply,"ooooh, b/c I was gonna say..."
One woman said, "cute jumper" to which I wanted to yell "it's a shift, a SHIFT people" but all I said was "thank you" while silently cursing her in my head. I mean who wears a jumper to work, anyway??? Last fall, exposed zippers began popping up everywhere, from skinny jeans to dresses to shoes and bags and swimsuits (yes, swimsuits). This is the only item I own w/this detail and I really like it, but I won't wear it to work again b/c explaining why it's special just makes it weird, and not special at all. Plus, there have been plenty of days where I've put things on inside out, but today is simply not one of them. Here are some other options for the office:

"Adam" $109

source: ShopBop

Skirt by Anne Klein
Source: Chic Shopper


"Marianne Dress" $109
(w/a cardigan or jacket...obviously...or I guess that depends on what type of office you work in?)

source: Quicksilver

Silence and Noise Exposed Zip Tulip Skirt $39.99

source: UO

Maybe the model below has this look on her face b/c someone asked her if her skirt was sewn incorrectly. It's kind of like the look I've had on my face, except not nearly at petulant.

Alexander Wang Zip Front Mini Skirt

source: Tongue in Chic