{Written while sipping my third Starbucks cafe mocha of the day out of a pretty normal looking red cup π} Hello dearest ones! How was your week? Did it fly right by? For me it sure did! Lets talk about suits for a minute. I have a love hate relationship with them. I find very few that are both professional and stylish (and when I do, I buy them fast). It seems like either the fit is boxy and sort of shapeless or its so fitted and short that I simply cant wear it to a professional event. So what are we to do? First, you need to find the right suit. Lately, J Crew, Ann Taylor (I used to shop here a lot when I was in law school and I have no idea why I stopped-- they have the cutest work separates), Nordstrom and Banana Republic are my go-to suit stops. I think you should try to build your professional wardrobe so that it includes a black (shocker!), navy and grey suit (I also like sheath dresses with a matching blazer if you can find them.) After you have your suit, I like to pick a statement piece-- shoes? bag? Maybe a chunky bracelet? I personally like to keep the lines of a suit simple--I don't like big bold necklaces around my neck with suits (totally personal preference- I am more of an arm full of bracelets girl.) This suit here has sort of a soft peplum shape, which I paired with stacked heels. Sometimes, a little stiletto doesn't look right and a suit calls out for something more substantial, you know? I grabbed my bag, my coffee ( literally, the greatest addition to any outfit hands down) and out the door I went! Do I tell you enough how much I appreciate you stopping by for a read? Because I sure do! Thank you thank you! Happy almost weekend, loves. Sweetly- Michelle
The Perfect Suit β£οΈβ οΈ
{Written after a Golden Spoon vanilla with rainbow sprinkle fro yo break} So, we've had a cold spell of perhaps, 48 hours but folks, I don't think it's going to last. However, once it gets (and stays) cold, a chic little pantsuit is a girls best friend. You stay nice and warm, you don't have to worry about snagging your tights on something if you're wearing a skirt and you can dress it up or dress it down. This one in particular is just a beauty. It's the gold buttons and the feminine cut of the sleeves. I just adore it. It's the little details that always wind up really adding that little something. If you had to take this look from day tonight, you could pile on the gold jewelry, add some strappy sandals and maybe a sleek ponytail and you would be set. You could even add a little sparkly headband. I have actually been into embellished headbands lately, which are so great for the holidays. I will have to do a post on it one of these days (yeah, yeah. I will add it to the list!) And the leopard clutch! I just love adding little touches of animal print here and there, don't you? It's an easy way to add a little pop to an all black ensemble (my specialty!) β€οΈ Happy Saturday beautiful ones! Thank you times 100 for stopping by- Sweetly, Michelle
Jacket || Pants ||Shoes || Clutch || Sunglasses
Cape-tivating
{Written while watching RHOOC Reunion Part 3 and eating Swedish Fish. It was a good night!} Hello sweet readers!! How was your Halloween? I sure hope it was lovely! Aren't holidays the best? I can't wait for this time of the year to get into full swing! Speaking of swing... Capeity cape cape! This has to be my most favorite accessory of the season. I live in hot California where we basically just make believe we have different seasons, and it's hard to pretend I'm going to get very much use out of over the knee boots or leather. But a cape? If you buy the right kind, it can be light enough to serve as a sweater {although there are some heavy capes out there--pretty wool and plaid--that I would wear in a heartbeat if we had the weather!} There are so many things I can wear this cape with to the office... And this dress! A little flarey, twirly hemline is all I need to be happy! It's a beautiful texture too! I've been really into dresses lately- maybe because they are so easy. One piece and voila! You are set! On a side note, I'm telling you-- Banana Republic has been killing it lately! It's one of about 3 or 4 stores that I know without a doubt will have something office appropriate for me to wear, but lately, it's just been divine. And from what we all saw at New York Fashion Week, spring is going to be even better! Alright, my loves! Thank you for stopping by and as always, I hope your day was just terrific! I just finished a fabulous book and I think next time, I might throw a little book review in here! ππ Sweetly- Michelle
Dress || Cape || Shoes || Purse (similar) ||
Photos: Wendy Kathleen Photography @wendykathleenphotography
The Classics
{Written while watching Hocus Pocus} Happy All Hallows' Eve! Today, I planned to go to my daughter's school for her costume parade and potluck, hustle off to the office and get some work done and then play hallway golf. However, last night my daughter developed a high fever (poor kiddo) and we were up and down, up and down all night. Isn't that how life goes? Expect the unexpected! So, we roll with it! My darling husband went to work early and I stayed with her, and then he came home so that I could head to the office for the late afternoon and early evening. Oh, the life of a working parent! My poor girl was so so disappointed to miss the costume parade at her school but she will hopefully be better for Halloween.
I fell in love with this dress as soon as I set eyes on it. I love the color, I love anything with a preppy Oxford feel, and I love its interesting hemline. It's multiple layers and hangs longer in the back. I just love it with my sneaks but it would also be so cute with a menswear inspired pair of oxfords and a cardigan! I'm a classic girl at heart- -simple, refined, demure and polished is what I am drawn to and I really felt that way in this little get up! Can I tell you how excited I am to see all of your Halloween pictures tomorrow? I'll try to do a little post. Hope your day is full of nothing but treats!! Sweetly- Michelle
Dress (similar, my dress isn't on line)|| Shoes || Bag || Jacket||