Lace in the Workplace

Hi you! I had an epiphany last weekend, as I was sorting through my packed closet-- not every trend is for me. I understand my own personal style, but I am still susceptible to following whatever the trend du jour happens to be.  Does anyone else do this? I looked at my closet over the weekend and found multiple items (tags still attached) that were impulse buys because they looked so good on someone else.  And I just know I am never going to wear them.  I want to try really hard to simply incorporate into my existing style a little bit of the trends I like.   I see beautiful colorful prints and bright patterns on everyone-- not really me (but maybe a bright pair of earrings is) .  I see the boho dresses on everyone- not really me (but maybe a fringy pair of boots or bag is).  I wish I was more adventurous in my style but I am just not.  I am more of a classic, simple dresser, especially at work.  Which brings me to this skirt... I actually forgot I had it (if I had a nickel for every time I found something I loved wedged behind something else in my closet!!)  I've had it for a while, but there are similar ones here and here.  Its not really lace, its just a lace pattern and it gives the illusion of lace without showing too much skin.   Pencil skirts just work for me. I like the length and the cut and they are so versatile.  Heels look just as good as a tall pair of riding boots when the weather cooperates.  Mine are from Nordstrom and you can get them here.    

How do you incorporate trends into your wardrobe?  Are you a risk taker?  However you are, I am sure you are beautiful!  Hey all! Its just about the weekend! Yayyyyyy!!! Thank you so much for stopping by! xxoo Michelle

All Tied Up With A Bow

Hi you! It's a little gloomy here today but much better than the weekend. How strange was all of that rain and humidity? I can't remember the last time it rained like this in the summer. (Note: This is not a complaint.) We need lots and lots of days just like this!  

I had a weekend like every other weekend lately - -packed with events and not a minute to myself.  It was fun though. It was my mom's birthday on Saturday and my whole family celebrated and I was busy making the party preparations.  Have I mentioned that I am a closeted event planner? I LOVE to plan parties, weddings, showers, you name it. I usually start kicking around ideas for my daughter's birthday party around 6 months in advance. (I know, I know) It drives my husband absolutely nuts. He would be fine if we ate pizza off of plates at every party (insert me recoiling in horror here!)  I don't know why it is so enjoyable and satisfying for me to plan little parties and things but it just is-- I like thinking of themes and colors and menus and games-- maybe this is my creative outlet? Or maybe it has something to do with me being a Libra and liking pretty things but probably, it's just that I love planning fun times for my family and friends.  I think life is this precious blessing and I try to celebrate every moment I can. We have so many fun times together!  I will throw a party at the drop of a hat-- game nights, neighborhood BBQs, finale watching parties and book clubs-- I just love a crowded house and noise and laughter and fun! Anyway, I hustled around on Saturday making sure everything was just right for my mama!

Okay, that was a tangent....So this outfit is part of my Nordstrom sale shopping efforts.  I liked a lot of things but I wasn't crazy crazy for a ton this season...am I just missing stuff?   However, I really do love this top for Fall. I love anything that is buttoned up and demure and if it also has a bow? Well, that makes it just about perfect in my book! It really is a great choice for a day in the office, don't you think? And this is about the fourth pair of culottes I've tried on. These are from Banana Republic and they are fitted, which seems to work for me. Some of the others I've tried on were so loose and flowly that I kind of got swallowed up.  I think for the office, you need a more form fitting, crisp cut and for the weekend, you can go all flowy culottes and gladiator sandals.  So if you are feeling discouraged, keep trying them on- you might find a pair you really love!

 I decided to wear my glasses because I felt like they were such a cute look with this outfit.  I wear contacts during the day because I need them to see distances. But as soon as I walk in the door, and right after throwing on a pair of comfy sweats, I take my contacts off, put my hair in a ponytail and on go my glasses.  Sounds super sexy, I know! :)

These shoes are also from the Nordstrom sale and are by Kate Spade. I love Kate Spade heels for the office.  They are the perfect height and so durable. And that's my little culotte look! (Second tangent--I think it would also be so cute if there was a little fitted  blazer to wear with these culottes ... I will keep my eyes peeled!) Thank you so much for stopping by dear reader! Xx Michelle

I'm Going Green

Who knew going green could be so beautiful? This color is certainly way outside of my comfort zone but it is lovely. The skirt is linen and lined and the top is silk with little snaps that can control the depth of the V neckline. You certainly don't need a big deep V for the office, am I right?  This color makes a really nice balance to the florals and whites I've been wearing all summer.  I really love Banana Republic for work right now. I made a quick trip to the mall last weekend while they were having their sale and the skirt was 50% off. Let me tell you, if there were more colors, they would all come home with me. I said this before but a pencil skirt is an absolute stable for my professional wardrobe. It's so funny how I just can't wait for summer to get here but even now the stores are starting to carry fall stuff and I am beyond excited to wear sweaters and knee-high boots again. Why are we so fickle? :) Happy day all day to you beauties! Xx Michelle

From White to Night

Is it just me, or does going someplace directly from work (no matter how wonderful the event is going to be) always feel like a hassle? I have to lug a flat iron and products, some mascara, a costume change (and all of the other miscellaneous bottles and vials that help me get all spruced up) to the office.... and if anything can make this process easier, I am all for it.   Enter this little white suit from Zara.   Zara, Zara, Zara.   You almost never let me down and these separates are no exception.  This jacket is amazing- -structured, heavy and so crisp! I love buttoned up looks. I am not a girl who ever really shows a lot of skin. I would pair this jacket with maybe black, cuffed trousers and a black heel for my daytime look.  I bought the skirt that matches the jacket to take this look straight from the office and while it's inches shorter than anything I would ever actually wear to work, it would be great to throw on with these suede, strappy, tied up shoes and go! Oh my gosh these shoes! They are from Zara too! I am so excited about how much use I will get out of these because of their vibrant colors!  I mean really! What won't they work with? Denim, all black outfits (my specialty)....they will match perfectly! These little heels add so much va va voom that you don't really need much in the way of additional accessories, which makes office changes all the better!  I absolutely love this and I really love a summer white ensemble--you just stand out a bit, don't you agree? Especially when you pair into with a little tan (or in my case, a slightly darker shade of pale!) Happy day lovely reader! As always, thank you so much for stopping by! Xx Michelle