Non-Shower Baby Shower

Did I mention on here that there are TWO pregnant stylists at work? Well, there are and they're both due next month. It's been crazy with hormones at MD lately and not just for the knocked up chicks.

Anyway, the owner hosted a lovely non-shower for the two of them last weekend and it was a great time. I call it a "non-shower" because we all just put together a pool of money for them rather than buy presents. Since they'd both had traditional showers with their friends and family, it made the most sense. In my opinion, that's the best kind of shower- the one where you aren't forced to sit for hours watching someone open presents. If I ever get married or have a baby, I'm going to want a non-shower for sure.

Anyway, the event was great and everyone looked stylish and cute, of course. Here's a fabulous photo of most of us:

It was crazy hot and humid the afternoon of the shower, but we stayed cool by staying in the shade as much as possible. I wish I had a better shot from the day, but I wasn't super focused on snapping photos. I did manage to get one of the two preggers chicks before the end:

 

I have to hand it to anyone who can be 8 months pregnant in the middle of the summer and still look half-way decent. And these two ladies look more than decent if you ask me. Brandie (on the left) isn't even wearing a maternity dress, which kind of cracks me up.

 

A few months prior to the non-shower, the planner Leslie and I were at Madeleine's and I'd just played her a song on my uke. She lit up and exclaimed, "You have to write a song for the babies and sing it at the shower!" At the time, the shower was months away, so I just replied, "Sure!" Then I promptly forgot all about it. Suddenly it was the night before the shower and I realized I had never written the song for the babies! I pulled out the uke and about an hour later, I'd written what seemed like an appropriate song. At the shower, when the time seemed appropriate, Leslie told me to get the uke- it was time for the song.

 

None of the iPhone recordings from the "live debut" were all that great, so you can't see the actual performance. However, Jeff (McKenzie's husband) requested that I post the song on YouTube so they could hear it whenever they want. I happily obliged, and you can enjoy it, too:

 

 

The Professor gave me the best compliment which was that it was exactly what you think when you're expecting a baby. Also, make note of my blue striped dress- I originally bought it in grey at Old Navy. You may remember it from this post. Well, I ended up getting it in three other colors because it's just that awesome. Too bad for you, it's pretty much sold out now. Sorry.

 

Well, I hope you've enjoyed this post. Thanks for reading!

Jersey is Your New Summertime Friend

It was rainy last Wednesday and I needed something comfortable to wear. I started digging through my closet and drawers and kept coming up empty handed. My plans included running a few errands and then seeing a movie with some friends. All I could decide on for my outfit was that I needed to wear my wellies, because of the weather. It was warm and rainy. I wanted to look cute, but be comfortable as well. Finally, I was able to put this look together:

Sorry for the poor quality photo. I never took a picture that day, so I had to re-create it and the lighting and my camera aren't cooperating today. But, you get the idea. It's an adorable outfit, perfectly comfortable for sitting in a movie theatre, running errands in the rain and hanging out with girlfriends. 

What helped me finally get out the door that morning was remembering one thing: when in doubt,  wear jersey. Jersey dresses were once a staple of my wardrobe, but have taken a backseat to dresses in other fabrics like cotton, linen, chiffon and sateen. I have a handful of jersey dresses, but it was this grey one from Old Navy that did the trick. 

Fit & Flare Tee Dress, Old Navy, $17.50 (on sale right now!) 

P.S. I'm showing you the green because I was SO torn when I bought it. I opted for the neutral, but part of me wants to go back and get this vibrant green version! Leave a comment if you think I should! 

Anyway, the thing about a jersey dress is that it's casual and comfortable, so you'll never be accused of being overdressed when you wear one. But you'll also look put-together. Jersey is one of those magical fabrics that hugs your body in just the right way. Why else do you think they make t-shirts with it? The jersey used in this dress is super soft and even feels a little luxurious (if you can believe that). 

If you don't already have an LJD (Little Jersey Dress) in your closet, run out to Old Navy immediately and get yourself one (or five). Need some inspiration? Look no further. I'm sure you can picture yourself in any of these looks whether it's to wear to a trip to the farmer's market or for a walk in the park or a lunch with your girlfriends. Seriously, jersey is your new summertime friend. You will thank me, I promise. 

The Magical Jersey Dress by rtboo featuring old navy

Keep the look simple and you'll never go wrong. Add a straw fedora or a printed scarf or even some funky boots for a little pizzazz, but ultimately you'll discover that a simple jersey dress looks pretty great on its own and with minimal accessories. Thank you, Old Navy for these and many more options. (Nope, this post wasn't sponsored by Old Navy, I just really like all the jersey dresses they have right now.) 

Have a great day, everyone! 

Rate My Look: Peter Pan Necklace

Remember earlier this week when I showed you the awesome Peter Pan Collar Necklace that I made? Well, I figured I'd share the rest of the outfit for your stylish viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

Dress: Zara

Cardigan: Old Navy

Boots: Charlotte Russe

Earrings: Stella and Dot

Necklace: ME! 

I also mentioned earlier this week that I think my make-up looked particularly good this day. I tried a few of the makeup techniques that I learned from my visit to Joya Beauty and I must admit to being extremely pleased with the results. 

Seriously- I'm kind of a babe! 

So, what do you think of my outfit? Love it? Hate it? Wish I'd used a little color at least? Well, whatever your opinion, leave me a comment! And have an awesome day! 

Blue Jeans Birthday... Or Not...

I read on a website that December 5th is considered the "birthday of blue jeans." I made a mental note to write a blog post about jeans for that date. In preparing for the post, I did a little more research and learned that according to Levi's, the official birth date of blue jeans is May 20, 1873 because that is the day the patent was received for the design he created with a tailor by the name of Jacob Davis.

So, whether the birthday of blue jeans is in December or May, I've decided not to care and to just continue with my blog post anyway.

It was recently brought to my attention that I have never written a blog post about how to find the perfect pair of jeans. I've worn jeans in plenty of "Rate My Look" posts, but I've never done one of those "how-to" guides that you often see in fashion magazines. To be honest, I don't think I ever will. Here's why:

1.) There are literally millions of jeans to choose from and I just don't have the time or resources to research them all thoroughly and summarize my findings for you.

And

2.) The kind of jeans you like is so personal a choice, I wouldn't presume to tell you what to wear without knowing you.

I know plenty of people who love to wear low-rise skinny jeans. I HATE wearing them. I prefer a rise that's a little higher and boot cut is my favorite silhouette. Old Navy makes a jean called the "Sweetheart." It has a slightly higher rise, is available in a dark wash and comes in boot cut. I own at least six pair in various lengths as well as one white pair.

That is essentially my blue jean advice for you: keep looking until you find the pair that fits you the best. Then buy a LOT of them.

The Sweetheart Boot Cut Jean, Old Navy, $29.50

Are there better jeans out there than these from Old Navy? Most likely. But at $29.50, I can get a pair of jeans that fit my body perfectly, so I've stopped looking. Sometimes Old Navy even has a sale and sells all their jeans for just $19! That's usually the time that I stock up. You just can't beat the price, so why try? 

Yes, I have other jeans by other designers. I have a great pair of skinnies from Ralph Lauren that I found at TJ Maxx, as well as a few pair from the Gap, but nothing compares to the Old Navy Sweethearts. I buy them in two lengths- "Regular" which are the perfect length to wear with heels and "Short" which are the perfect length to wear with flats. I firmly believe in buying two lengths of your favorite jeans so that no matter what shoe you wear, you'll always be in your favorite jeans. It just makes good sense to me. 

What is your go-to pair of jeans? Do you have a specific brand you always buy, or are you still on the hunt for that elusive "perfect pair"? I'd love to know! You know how to comment, so do it! 

Black Friday: Rate My Man's Look

Not too long ago, I was in Old Navy and of course there happened to be quite a few items on sale. I was pretty proud of myself for putting this outfit together for the Professor:

Is he adorable or what? This ended up being a great outfit for the day- he and I took his kids to a local arcade/laser tag, then out to lunch and then to the movies to see "Wreck It Ralph." (The movie was totally adorable, btw.) 

When I put it all together in Old Navy, I was a little nervous about the color of the pants and how well they went with the shirt, but in the end, the outfit came together just fine and it all fit him perfectly to boot! I have a lot of fun shopping for him and the kids. They all love Old Navy and there is pretty much always a sale happening there, so it works out for everyone! 

Since he lives in the mountains of North Carolina, the appropriate style of clothing is actually really similar to what a lot of guys wear up here in New England. It's a lot of plaid, a lot of flannel, a lot of cargo pants, a lot of rugged-looking clothes. I really enjoy having my own life-sized Mountain Man Ken doll to dress and he's such a good sport about wearing all the stuff I find for him. The kids are, too, actually. 

Speaking of shopping, today is Black Friday- the biggest shopping day of the year. How will you be spending it? I won't be shopping today because I'll be working. It's the annual sample sale at Madeleine's Daughter, so it will be like the running of the brides there today. Even if I were free today, I don't think I would shop. It's just so crazy out there! 

Do you ever find yourself shopping for your loved ones more than for yourself? I've been doing that lately. I suppose that since I've been so content with my own closet contents, I've had to find others to benefit from my love of shopping. Having a boyfriend has never been so convenient! 

Accessories Anonymous: To Infinity and Beyond!

It's kind of sad, but I've already noticed a distinct drop in temperature around here. Fall will be here before we know it, and after that, many snowy days. I spent the day at the beach yesterday, trying to catch a few more rays before it's too cold for a bathing suit. But when it does turn cold enough for sweaters and wool tights and scarves, there is a great accessory I will be using: the infinity scarf. This idea has been around for a while and was quite popular last year during the colder months. Fortunately, it is a trend that has been able to survive another season. Infinity scarves are simply scarves that are connected at both ends, forming a circle. They are great for layering with a warm coat or to add a touch of style to an outfit and keep the chill off. Here are some great ones you may want to snatch up before the temperature really drop down:

Lulu Floral Print Infinity Scarf, Nordstrom, $18

The light floral print will keep that touch of summer that we all want to cling to as fall approaches. Pair it as pictured with a striped top to be even more trendy or keep it simple with a solid-print dress instead. 

Spun by Subtle Luxury Abstract Arizona Infinity Scarf, Piperlime, $48

Because of the oversize, bold print of this scarf, keep the top of your outfit simple and sleek- a classic blazer or scoop-neck top will look great with a pencil skirt and this scarf. 

Tie- Dyed Infinity Scarf, Old Navy, $10.99

The infinity scarf doesn't need to be bundled close around your neck all the time- drape it long and it acts as a soft, necklace-esque accessory. You can even layer some actual necklaces on top of it for added style. 

Striped Infinity Scarf, Erica's One Man Band (Etsy), $28

I love the bold punch of color and pattern this scarf offers. And to purchase something handmade is even more special, if you ask me. Much like the way it's styled on the model, this piece will look best against a solid backdrop of a black tee or sweater. 

Infinity scarves aren't solely for cold times of year- there are plenty of feather-weight options in lovely summery prints that help take the chill off when your boss cranks to AC at the office. Don't just wrap yourself in a boring poncho or cardigan- use a cool scarf to stay warm AND look fabulous. 

Rate My Look: Mad Hatter

I couldn't wait to wear my new hat, so I made sure to work it into an outfit right away. This is what I wore yesterday and I love it all:

Dress: Target

Cardigan: Old Navy

Ring: Stella and Dot

Shoes: Marshalls

Hat: Puttin' on the Glitz

My hat, made by Cha-cha's House of Ill Repute, is so stinkin' awesome. I don't even have words. Yes I do. They are as follows: This hat has such amazing details- from the lace-like, almost cobweb-esque trim over the grosgrain ribbon band, to the feather embellishment on the band, to the suede-like trim along the brim to the perfectly tea-stained color of the straw to the folds and creases that make it appear as though it's 100 years old, every detail of this hat is awesome. I should have taken a better close-up picture. It has SO much character, it's unbelievable. And yet, at the same time, it's incredibly neutral and versatile. What convinced me to splurge on this hat was the fact that it can truly be worn with just about anything. I know there are many of you who don't think so, who think that hats are so hard to wear! I know what's you're thinking: "When on earth could you ever wear this hat once, let alone in enough situations that it could be considered versatile!" 

First, it's a light-weight straw hat, perfect for protecting my face from the hot summer sun. That quality alone makes it appropriate for a stroll in the park, a trip to the farmer's market, a day at the beach, an outdoor BBQ and an afternoon shopping in any fabulous downtown you like, to name a few scenarios. The day I bought it, I was torn between it and a much dressier fascinator. In the end, I decided the hat could be dressed up OR down, while the fascinator was specific to dressing up situations. I promise to show you plenty of outfits with this hat to prove to you how versatile it is. Of course, I may not even need to convince you. Why not leave me a comment and tell me what you think- do you need convincing that it was worth the nearly $160 price tag? I want to hear what you have to say!  

Rate My Look- Inspired by Brittan

Today was an absolutely fabulous day, and I'm not talking about the British sitcom. I started off my day by picking an outfit to wear out with Gigi- we had plans to get our nails done at a little salon in Portsmouth. I pulled out a dress that I haven't worn since last summer and felt instantly inspired:

Dress: Target

Shoes: Burlington Coat Factory? I think...

Sweater: Old Navy 

Bag: Michael Kors via Marshalls

Ring and Earrings: Stella and Dot

Remember Brittan and her fabulous polka-dot dress with the citrus-y accouterments? Well, she was truly my inspiration for this outfit. I wish it was exactly the same color scheme as hers, but sometimes you need to make do with what you have. In my case, I had the polka dots and I had the citrus-family colors. Rather than the lemon and tangerine she sported, I had just a splash of lemon with a bit more of lime and grapefruit. Overall, it works and it's a super fun, bright, spring-y outfit. 

My mani/pedi with Gigi was also great and afterwards we had a nice afternoon shopping in downtown Portsmouth. She went home with several new pairs of shoes. I went home without a single new purchase, but it wasn't because I didn't find anything fabulous. On the contrary, I found several super fabulous items, but all of them were selling for a lot more than I was comfortable spending. For example, take a look at me in this AMAZING hat: 

I LOVE IT!!! It's like a super chic version of a mad hatter top hat and I had a lot of trouble leaving it behind. At $158, it would have been a major splurge. Maybe I'll go back in a few weeks and see if it's on sale. I have to say, this hat would be worth every penny and if I were made of money, I'd have snatched it up in heartbeat! I found it at an adorable little shop called Puttin' on the Glitz where there are dozens of equally fabulous hats as well as gorgeous handbags and tons of jewelry. The hat itself comes from Cha-cha's House of Ill Repute, but I would caution you against clicking that last link unless you are prepared to either drop a few hundred dollars on some amazing hats, or to have your heart broken because you can't drop a few hundred dollars on some amazing hats. Seriously. 

After leaving behind that amazing hat, we stopped in to a few shoe stores, another serious weakness of mine. I found these incredibly comfortable and incredibly chic sandals:

Sorry for the poor quality of the photo.  We were in the "outlet room" at JL Coombs when I found these babies. (P.S. How cute does my pedicure look?) Heres a better photo of them from Zappos: 

Pikolinos Gomera, Zappos, $155

Super fabulous, right? And the most amazing part about these wedges is that they feel like they are flats! It's magical and I really don't understand how it's done. They felt so amazing on my feet, I nearly purchased them. At $155, even buying them in tax-free New Hampshire was still out of the question. Although, much like the hat, I believe they would have been worth every penny. I suppose that was the theme of the day- finding absolutely fabulous items for around $150. 

Do you ever have days like that, when you wish you could buy really nice things, but you know your budget just won't allow for it? The shoes were of course far more practical than the hat, but still not entirely necessary. It's hard to walk away from something I know I will wear a lot, even more so than walking away from something a little impractical, but that I absolutely adore (like that hat)!

I may have gone home empty-handed in terms of shopping booty, but I still had a wonderful girls' day with Gigi and that is really what matters. Time spent with loved ones- friends, family, etc. is so much more important than any pair of shoes or mad hatter top hat. Don't you agree? 

Rate My Look- Pretty Spring Dress

This dress has been hanging in my closet for MONTHS! It's a dress I wore all the time last spring and summer, yet somehow it never ended up on the blog. It's incredibly comfortable, and I absolutely adore the bright floral-esque print all over it. It's different from most of the clothes I wear in a couple of ways- the v-neck for one, the slimmer, but still loose-fitting skirt, for another. I love the ruched waistline because it's so flattering and also very comfortable. It's an ideal dress for work, or even an afternoon out with girlfriends. I wore this dress last Monday, and I'm sure I'll be breaking it out time and time again over the next few months. 

My only regret with this dress is that the shoes I love to wear with it are really tall light blue open-toe heels. Gorgeous, but not exactly work-appropriate. My feet would DIE if I wore them all day. So instead, I've got my 1-inch wedge Dr. Scholl's shoes that I bought last fall. They have served me well for work outfits, and I'm hoping to break them out again next fall. I may need to purchase a new pair for when these ones finally give out. They ended up being a truly fabulous work shoe and I'd be sad to see them go. 

The rest of my accessories were pretty basic- some silver hoop dangling earrings and my vintage cocktail ring finished off the look. I tried to get a nice, tall "poof" in my hair- no, I did NOT use a Bump-it! I just used some good-old-fashioned hair teasing technique. Works every time! Well, nearly every time. 

So what do you think of my dress? If the weather were a little colder, I probably would have paired the dress with one of my Old Navy cropped cardigans, but on this particular day, I was fine without one.  Leave a comment if you like! There's not much to remark on with this outfit- it's pretty basic, don't you think? But sometimes basic is best. 

Rate My Look- Emma Pillsbury Style

Ever since I purchased my new glasses, I've been faced with the challenge of incorporating them into my outfits. While I love how fun and funky they are, that same funky-ness is what makes them a challenging wardrobe element. There is not doubt about the fact that they are a statement and a bold one at that. I've found myself struggling not so much with the major elements of my outfits as I do with the accessories. Honestly, I've hardly worn earrings since I got these glasses. Accessories are the part of creating an outfit that I find most interesting and enjoyable. Earrings are often my "go-to" accessory along with large cocktail rings. Sometimes I mix it up with a bold necklace. This week, I decided to channel Emma Pillsbury and use a chic plaid scarf tied in a prim bow to accessorize my look:

Dress: Banana Republic

Boots: Marshalls

Sweater: Old Navy

Scarf: Vintage

On this particular day, I was pretty disappointed with the temperature- it was about 37 degrees Fahrenheit that day- just a smidge too chilly for my taste at this point in the year. I'm starting to go beyond feeling sick of wearing tights. My feelings toward them currently border on hatred, but I keep reminding myself that it's not their fault I live in New England and winter sticks around until April. I have to remind myself that they've served me well for many months now and if they had feelings, they'd be just as sick of me as I am of them. I decided to finish the outfit with one of the six cardigans I bought at Old Navy not too long ago. I'm a little sick of cardigans, too, but since this one is new, I don't mind it. But tights and cardigans aren't the point today. Nope- it's all about accessorizing those glasses. In a subtle mix of prints, I've combined the florals from my glasses with the plaid on my scarf-they really complement each other nicely, don't you think? It helps that they both have a teal/blue color scheme and the prints are on the same scale. As much as I enjoy wearing my glasses, I'm looking forward to getting back into my contact lenses in a couple of weeks. I think I'll have worked my accessorizing muscle enough by then and I'll be ready to get back into earrings.

Do any of you glasses-wearing readers have similar issues with your glasses? Even if they aren't quite as bold a statement as my floral frames, do you sometimes feel as though your glasses add a challenge to creating your daily look? Leave a comment and let me know!

What Are Your Thoughts on Multiples?

No, I'm not talking about having twin or triplets or anything like that. I'm curious as to what you guys think about purchasing multiple items in different colors for your wardrobe? The other day I went shopping- I was on a quest for some cute, light-weight cardigans to wear to work. At Old Navy, I found the perfect cropped cardigan:

Buy it yourself here. 

I have all sorts of dresses that I plan to wear this spring and summer, but I wanted a light-weight and flattering top layer to incorporate into the outfits. If you remember, many of the dresses I own are in bright prints, so I was hoping for some solid-color, neutral cardigans. I had no intention of purchasing six of the same cardigan in different colors, but that is exactly what happened:

As you can see, I ended up with Heather Oatmeal, Fuchsia, Aqualicious, Black Jack, Graphite Heather, and Bright White. I truly believe I will utilize all six of these sweaters over the next six months, but I'm curious- do you ever do this type of thing? Do you purchase more than one color of the item you like? I tend to do it with basic items like these cardigans or with a basic neutral skirt or top. I even have three of the same jersey dress that I bought one summer. Sometimes the purchase is all at once, as with these Old Navy cardigans. Other times, I purchase one, wear it and love it even more than I thought I would, so I go back a week or so later and get another (or three). Since they get plenty of wear, I don't view this as a bad thing, but I am curious about how many other people out there do the same thing. Or am I all alone on this one? And before you pass judgement on my six new cardigans, consider this: they were marked down to $16.50 each in the store, but I had an additional "Friends & Family" coupon from a friend that got me an additional 30% off my total purchase. The total price for the cardigans was only $69. Honestly, I've spent that much on a single cardigan before. It was cashmere, but still. 

So do me a favor and leave a comment telling me if you think I'm bonkers or a genius, or anything in between. I'd love to hear what you all think of purchasing multiples for your wardrobe. Happy Monday! 

St. Patrick's Day Fashion

On a day where so many proudly wear obnoxious green outfits, I'm here to tell you that you can dress in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day without looking like a fool. Last year, I incorporated all the colors of Ireland- green, orange and white, into a fun spring outfit. You can do that, or stick with just green, but regardless, try to do it in a stylish way that  maintains the spirit of the day, but also keeps you looking chic. 

Gardens of Versailles Dress, Modcloth, $119.99

Clover Cadence Dress, Modcloth, $57.99

BCBGMaxAzria Print Top, 6PM, $58

Cooking Show Top, Modcloth, $39.99 

Organic Zip-Front Jacket, Fair Indigo, $44.95

Cuff Bracelet, Etsy, $15

Orange Flower Cuff, Etsy, $8

Handmade Chrysoprase Teardrop Necklace, Etsy, $110 

I didn't forget the men, either: 

Poplin Shirt, Old Navy, $20 

Chill Cap, Life is Good, $20 

Of course, the choices for women are a lot more varied than for men. I love simple green and white printed clothes- they look so bright and summer-y. Of course, St. Patrick's Day in New England this year will likely be in the 40-degree range, maybe as high as 50 if we're lucky, but I'm skeptical. The point is, I just might need a bright green print to keep the winter doldrums away! What about you? How did you dress on this St. Patrick's Day? 

Rate My Look- Howdy, New Glasses

Today I worked from noon to 5:00 and the sun was still shining when I left work. Isn't daylight savings so great? Just when you're ready to lose your mind from the short, dreary, winter days, the middle of March rolls around and all of a sudden, the days are longer again. It's awesome.

As for my outfit, I was able to snap a photo on my drive home, when the light was absolutely perfect. My pictures over the winter have been dull, with poor light- it was too cold to take pictures outside and the inside liht was rarely very good, at least at home. Needless to say, I'm happy for the better light for my photos and for my mood!

Top: Marshalls

Skirt: Old Navy

Belt: Super old, I don't even remember where I got it

Ring: Target

Cowboy boots: Consignment Shop

Necklace: Garment District

Glasses: FYSH UK

The skirt is re-mixed from this outfit, and the shirt is pretty basic, so I have never really talked about it. It's good to have basics in your wardrobe, but I'm often guilty of having too many quirky things with too few basics to pair them with. Speaking of quirky things, would you like a close-up view of my new glasses? No one seemed to want to venture a guess on my post yesterday, but I think if you know me well, the answer was obvious: 

Yup, I got the super funky flower-y ones! Are they fabulous or what? I've actually ENJOYED wearing them these last few days! The color looks great against my eye color. Normally, I don't like wearing glasses because they tend to cover up what I consider to be one of my best features. These glasses seem to do just the opposite. I'm sure I'll be back to contact lenses before long, especially with spring and summer fast approaching- sunglasses will be more appropriate soon. 

So what do you think of my outfit? Is it a little too cowgirl for you (especially with the "Howdy" necklace)? Or do you just think it's fun? I like it- and it was remarkably comfortable to wear at work. Those boots are magical- they are the only pair of heels I can not only survive in for several hours at work, but my feet don't even need "recovery time." They are magically comfortable, despite the three-inch heels. I can't explain it, but I'm not going to complain. Magical cowboy boots are fine with me. Fabulous glasses and cute necklaces? Also fine. 

Rate My Look- More Black!

Top: TJ Maxx

Sweater: The Closet

Skirt: Old Navy

Belt: H&M

Boots: Gap

Earrings: H&M

This is one of my favorite go-to black outfits for work. It's comfortable, cute and the layers make it ideal. It's often chilly up at the front desk, but I warm up quickly if I'm in the back end of the store. My (new) cashmere cardigan is the perfect layering piece because it keeps me warm when I'm up front, but doesn't overwhelm my outfit. Yes, this is the cashmere sweater that I bought while shopping on Newbury Street a few weeks ago. I've worn it SO many times since then and it has already become a well-loved and often-utilized piece in my wardrobe.

Saturday Dress Code: Black

I feel as though nearly ever profession I've worked in, I've been required in some way to wear black. When I worked as a musician, black was required for performances. When I worked in theatre, black was required when working backstage. Now, at my new job at the bridal shop, black is required on the weekends. I don't mind it, but even with all those black clothing requirements throughout the years, I haven't really amassed much that's suitable for my current needs. My musician clothing was mostly formal wear. My backstage attire consisted mainly of t-shirts and black sweatpants or yoga pants (they're the most comfortable for running around backstage). Now, I need black clothing that's comfortable, but professional. I don't need to wear a suit or anything really fancy, but what I wear does need to be all black. Some of the sales consultants push the boundaries by wearing grey or adding pops of color here and there. I'm not sure how I feel about that, so for now I'm going to try to stick with all black. I did a bit of shopping last Friday and got a handful of black items from Old Navy. My plan moving forward is to try to find black separates rather than black dresses. (Although, if I find some great casual/professional LBD's, I won't turn 'em down!) Regardless of whether it's separates or dresses, my main goal is to keep black from being an ultra boring snooze-fest.

For starters, I got this skirt from Old Navy:

High Waist Skirt, $25 (It has a cute exposed zipper in the back- fun!)

I also bought this sweater at the bargain price of $9, although on the website it appears to be quite a bit more than that: 

Button-front Cape, $34.99 

I also got a cute scoop-neck tee with a satin trim along the neckline. I can't find it on Old Navy's website, so I'll have to take a picture with an outfit at some point to show you. I think it's going to be a versatile top for me because it's long enough to wear untucked, but it also looks good tucked into the new skirt. I have a handful of other basic black tops to incorporate into my black weekend uniform, but I'm also going to keep an eye out for some comfortable, but flattering and stylish black pants as well as some interesting black accessories. 

I kind of like these other options, also from Old Navy: 

Lace Trim Blouson Top, $26.50 

Ruffled Button-Down Blouse, $16.99

Ponte-Knit Trousers, $34.50

Black Crystal Necklace, $12.50 

Black Beaded Bracelet, $10.50 

Maybe I'll allow myself a smidge of leeway in the accessories department , or at least in the jewelry department. Any thoughts? Do you have a dress code for your job? What does it entail? Leave a comment and tell me all about it! 

Top 5 Must-Haves for Fall

If you've been following my blog recently, you know I've been focusing on fall trends. And then this weeks episode of Project Runway did the exact same thing- the entire challenge was based around fall trends in both fashion and hair style. So, to break up my (very) long-winded posts about specific trends, I though I'd give you a couple of short lists to get your fall fashion wardrobe kick-started- My Top Five Must-Haves for Fall (mens and womens editions).

First up, ladies:

1.) Suede shoes: Pick your favorite style- booties, pumps, flats, tall boots- but find a pair in a luscious suede or faux-suede finish.

Suede Wedge Booties, Gap, $79.50

Chinese Laundry Women's Nixon, Shoes.com, $59

Bamboo by Journey Women's Platform Rosette Pumps,Overstock, $34.99

2.) A trench-inspired piece: Whether it's a skirt, a dress, or even a traditional jacket, the trench is hot this season. It's a part of the oh-so-popular military trend right now, so get on board!

Trench Dress, Ann Taylor Loft, $98

High Waist Belted Dress, YesStyle, $43.40

Christian Michaels Button Pencil Skirt, 6pm, $79.35

3.) A leather bag in olive: I am dying for bags in this color right now.

Rebecca Minkoff "Devote" Shoulder Bag, Bluefly, $254.99

MiMo "Anita" Handbag, eBags, $120

Fashion Express Distressed Bag, Buckle, $43.20

4.) Quirky tights: whether a fun pattern or a bold color, adorn your legs in fun and funky tights this fall.

Chevron Patterned Tights, Old Navy, $9.50

Diamond Pattern Tights, Jockey, $10

Super Sheer Spiral Tight, American Apparel, $14

5.) RED! Shoes, tops, pants, dresses, jackets- it's all hot if it's a bold red this fall.

Steve Madden Caryssa Pump, Nordstrom, $129.95

Worn Red Turtleneck Dress, Target, $24.99

Lennon Coat by O'Neill, Lulu, $83

And now for the gentlemen:

1.) A great 3-piece suit: Great on its own or broken up and used in a more casual way, the 3-piece suit is not just this seasons trend. It's also a great classic investment piece.

Tessori Milan Pinstripe 3-piece Suit, ShopNBC, $142.99

Jones New York Black Suit, Mens Wearhouse, $499

2.) Corduroy: Nothing says "fall" quite like corduroy. Go for classic, clean shapes like straight or boot-cut pants.

Straight-leg Pants, Old Navy, $29.50

Straight-fit Cords, Banana Republic, $55

Corduroy Blazer, Gap, $88

3.) Lace-up boots: "A dressy version of a hiking boot" is the best description I can come up with.

Aldo Umphrey Boots, Zappos, $150

Fitzwell Carson Leather Boot, Zappos, $92.12

4.) Plaid: Whether flannel or lined in fur, plaid is the "it" print this fall. (That's actually true for both men and women.)

No Retreat Men's Plaid Woven Shirt, Overstock, $13.99

Treemont Plaid Shirt, REI, $49.50

5.) Leather outerwear: An amazing leather jacket is never out of style, but this season, keep an eye out for sleek blazers and motorcycle styles.

French Connection Washed Leather Jacket, 6pm, $280.80

Pentagon Blazer, Undergear, $220

There you have it- my top five must-haves for fall for both men and women. Let me know what you think!