{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
A Beautiful Date with Dooney and Bourke
{Written while getting ready to watch a Masterpiece Theater series that was somehow accidentally recorded by my brilliant DVR (maybe because it knows I love Downton Abbey? ) called Indian Summers and I am so excited! It looks like a goody. Stay tuned for my review!} A few weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of receiving an invite to a dinner and a preview of Dooney and Bourke's new line of handbags. Like most of us, my memories of Dooney and Bourke involve my dad, dragging my brother and I to Nordstrom at Christmas time for yet another purse (and matching wallet, and key chain and checkbook cover and make-up bag-- ohhh, the coordinating accessories they had) for my mom-- do you remember those bags that had the duck on them and came trimmed in brown leather? Well, my friends, those are not the Dooney bags of today. I was awed by the beautiful designs that I saw-- gorgeous leather, contemporary, luxe designs, and that craftsmanship we've come to expect from this iconic brand. The bag I am carrying is the Barlow bag from the City collection and its perfect. It is thoughtfully constructed and has just the right amount of pockets and places for your keys and your cell phone and it comes with the cross-body strap, which I adore. Who doesn't love the ability to roll hands-free? I love this. I look for this kind of versatility and quality and this bag has it. Pop on over to the website http://www.dooney.com/home and take a peek. I really really love the Alto collection-- go look! They are gorgeous. I paired it with a simple sheath dress and heels from Banana Republic, because is easy and fuss-free ever a bad thing for the office? Not in my book! Hope your (3 day?) weekend was lovely, dearest reader! Thanks for stopping by! Sweetly- Michelle
Bag: Here || Dress: Here || Shoes: Here ||
Β
Welcome, Fall!πππ
π· http://wendykathleenphotography.com
Well happy Wednesday my lovelies. Even though the stores are full of fall fashion (and so is my closet), I am just not ready for it weather wise. I am totally ready for it in every other way besides this scorching weather we are having in Southern California. I suppose because we had a rather mild summer, this should be expected, but there is simply no way we can wear boots or sweaters or anything besides the lightest of clothing. Enter this gorgeous pleione, paperthin blouse from Nordstrom and pencil skirt from Banana Republic. This wine/ burgundy/ox blood/ maroon (Seriously. What are we calling this color anyway?) colored skirt is THE color for fall, and I already have several pieces in my wardrobe in this delightful shade. I paired it with this light blouse and it's perfect. In fact, since I spend most of my day in a freezing cold office, I might even be so lucky as to need to wear a light sweater over this!! As soon as the temperatures drop, I am going to pair the skirt with some dark brown leather stacked heel boots, but for now, I will stick to my nude pumps (which literally match with anything and everything. They might be the very best investment you can make in your wardrobe). Is anyone else into this color? How are you going to wear it? I hope wherever you are, you are having a wonderfully Fall like day. Thank you so much for stopping by my loves XX Michelle
Skirt Here || Blouse (the long sleeve version isn't on line but I linked the short sleeve version) Here || Shoes Here ||
NYFW: Day 2
Hello, my dearest reader! I'm not sure why I thought sprinting into NYC for only a weekend would be enough. It so wasn't. It's not NYC's fault, though. Truthfully, I don't think 10 years would be enough time for me in this place. I'm a good traveler and don't get bothered by jet lag (or any lag! Thank you plenty of sugar!) so we explored as much as we could. We stayed at the Essex House which sits smack dab in front of Central Park, and we were all over it. Anyone who has spent a moment in Central Park knows the allure and the complete loveliness it exudes. What is it about being surrounded by huge green trees and a skyline of buildings that is just so amazing? I'm a girl who loves big cities and crowds and this weekend was full of both! I wore another head to toe Zara outfit. The night before I left, I was literally in and out of the store with two outfits in maybe 10 minutes. (Because that's how I roll! And I also leave myself no time to plan, pack or generally relax! But that's another story!) It was the perfect ensemble for exploring and dining and shopping! It's Friday you guys!! Hope you have wonderful things in store for the weekend!!! Thank you so much for reading! Xxx Michelle