Outfits Not Just Clothes

blouse/necklace/bag- H&M , trousers/blazer/belt-Jcrew(similar here , here , and here ), heels-Banana Republic (similar here ) Another pair of oragne trousers, I think I may have an obession. At any rate, I got this bag as a graduation gift for myself and while there picked up the blouse and necklace.  I hadn't originally thought to pair the two, but walking around H&M I slung the necklace over the blouse's hanger and an outfit idea was born. I love how the metal of the necklace plays off the collar detail.  From there it was just a matter of adding a blazer and heels.  Also, I think sleeveless blouses are a must for summer office wear.  Bare shoulders may not fly in meetings, but a jacket or cardigan takes care of that while allowing you to run around without sleeves outside of work. 

Action Shot! trousers/shirt-Jcrew(similar here and here ), shoes-Bass(more shoes here ), necklace-gifted  This is just a button down shirt and cropped trousers with loafers, an outfit? Yes! Pattern and color and the fact that a co-worker asked if I was headed to the Hamptons after work. If you're wearing something that people associate with a destination it's for sures an outfit. Speaking of destinations, I'll be going to NYC tomorrow and will not update the blog until next week when I'm back in the 'Burgh, have a great holiday weekend!

Twirling! blouse/shoes-Zara(similar here and here ), dress-Mikkat Market(not at all similar, but something with a 60's vibe here ), bag/necklace/bracelet-vintage, ring-gifted( Francesca's ) You may recall my harness dress from this post . Here I've left the belt at home and layered a blouse underneath. I don't know about you, but for me this screams the current season of Mad Men  the easy silhouette, the colors, and the vintage bag doesn't hurt here either.  Particularly I'm thinking of the party scenes from episode 1: image via Tom and Lorenzo   Yeah, Megan Draper has nothing on me in this dress...Well maybe she had a little bit on me...

I can totally get up on the play equipment in these shoes, getting down was another story, see below: Yeah, this was a bad idea, heels and rubbery cement do not an elegant landing make. cardigan-Gap(similar here ), tshirt- Style Mint , skirt-Jcrew(similar here ), heels- Endless , necklace-Forever 21(similar here ), bracelets -Jewel Mint We are officially into spring and I am officially into bright colors. Like many offices Friday is casual day at mine and while most people usually wear jeans I like to mix in t-shirts with items that would be appropriate the rest of the week.  With a blouse and a blazer this skirt is totally professional, but here with a long cardie and striped tee it has a more laid back feel.  This also works on reverse, as in a blouse and blazer with a cropped cargos or a knit skirt. All this color called for a super fun shoe so the floral wedge heels make a second appearance and nicely echo back to the necklac...

How amazing are these shoes?! blazer-Banana Republic(kind of similar here ), tshirt- Style Mint , jeans-Asos(similar here ), necklace-Anthropologie(kind of similar here ), shoes- Endless This blazer can be worn 1) cinched and tied in front 2) ties hanging loose 3) tied in back and blazer open in front.  Any which way you go this blazer adds structure and chic-atude to a top and jeans.  These shoes don't hurt either, eh?  I was introduced to them from Blue Collar Catwalk and I also see myself wearing them as frequently as she has been, they are so comfortable. Happy Friday!

While trolling through the blog Closet Visit I came upon this image and this one: Images from Closet Visit And from Diry Hair Halo I'm really into black, beige, grey, and white as an alternative palette for spring/summer.  Brights and florals are pretty obvious, but there's something so chic when outfiting against the norm.  I think what attracts me to the above images are the simple shapes and cuts in each piece. All of them are pretty straight, square, a nice balance of fitted and loose.  Of course if you do go for simple colors and structures the fabric really needs to be as superb as possible to avoid looking drabby.  Here's my take: Love the buttons here. blazer/sweater- H&M , trousers- Gap , shoes- Shoe Mint , bag-Coach(more bags here ), necklace-gifted