WHAT TO WEAR: suiting up w/ Mad (Men) tweed

As you can see by this point in time, I have a fetish for making wardrobe collages. Where imagination knows no boundaries, wallet especially included, it's the ideal way to shop without spending the cash and with the benefit of looking good in the outfit no matter what because, as I said, it's all simply a drafted wish list in which I am sample size and have pockets deeper than Scrooge McDuck. 

However, one should never be left to their own imaginative devices when suiting up for, let's say, an interview for their ideal job. A woman must emit a sense of security, confidence, and of course, sophistication. That's where these babies come into play. May I present two options that are shoe in's (pun intended) for two for the price of one. To clarify, the two being that the outfit is 1) spring chic and 2) office appropriate without being dull. After working in corporate settings for one year too many, black trousers with a bland button-down in a setting where color is frowned upon on a daily basis gets old. Really old.

Let us proceed. To the left, we have created a look by the Parisian designer Sandro, a brand most recently and feverishly embraced by the likes of Fashiontoast blogger Rumi Neely and model Dree Hemingway, who created a capsule line for the brand which was 'inspired by her American roots."

Pairing this lime infused Sandro jacket with the matching shorts is a delightful retro spin on tweed at it's best. I'm still dying over the hint of leather trim, further inspiring the DIY in me to stitch leather strips onto unsuspecting jackets hanging in my closet. Sculpted Alexander Wang loafers ensure that one is able to hit the ground running- it's a Mad (Men) world after all. 

Not to be outdone by a chic shorts suit set, Nina Ricci's tweed ensemble is fantastic combination of mod and retro: traditional but just beguile enough. If you're feeling weary of such a deeply scooped neckline, don't be. The muted and modestly heeled peep toes keep you adhered to the ground and besides, you'll be wearing a basic white camisole underneath. Trust me, once you get this sweet tweed on, it'll take a Texas summer to peel it off your office chilled body. It's a glorious feeling knowing that a skirt is always office appropriate and in this brightly hued shade, rest assure your resume is resting securely on the top of the stack.

Cheers to Fridays and dream jobs!

xo

WHAT TO WEAR: water cooler days

There's something incredibly satisfying about creating the perfect work outfit, especially if your necklace is decked out with spring colors over a silky spring top. As always, a jacket is of upmost importance as more often than not, the thermostat gods rule with an iron fist and one is always left to fend off the chilling office temperatures. This A.L.C. jacket does the job quite chicly.

Of course, leather pants go hand in hand with igloo atmospheres so pull them on! So what if it's spring outside? Apparently said gods didn't get the memo...

Don't be outshined by Nosy Rosy or Brown Nose Betty- pairing a star spangled clutch with equally stunning pumps gets you to the top of the water cooler talk AND takes you from Thursday at-the-office to Thirsty Thursdays' happy hour. Now who's pulling double duty!

Who knew Thursdays could be so brilliant?

xo

HOW TO DEAL W RAINY DAYS

Marni rain cap//Crumpet cashmere jumpsuit//Hunter boots//Essie nail polish in Bahama Mama

You don't deal. You simply put on the most comfortable item you own and vegetate. 

... and use the cap and rain boots in case of emergency!

xo

WHAT TO WEAR: for the 50+ woman

DAY

Elizabeth and James blazer//Kain striped top//Cheap Monday jeans//Rebecca Minkoff bag//Charles Albert arrow ring//Ralph Lauren boots//Marc by Marc Jacobs sunnies//

After getting so much positive feedback from the wardrobe collages I've created for myself, a few lovely readers asked if I would ever consider putting something together for a more mature audience. What I've constructed is mostly inspired by the women in my family down in Texas, as well as myself. Each woman in my family is strong, independent, and quite busy! Flat boots, a cross body bag, and a great jacket are staples for the woman who is constantly on the go. 

NOTE: I believe that people are pretty much who they are by the time they reach late 20's/early 30's. For example, I love funky jewelry, denim, and boots- those things will never really change. So really, the process of updating your wardrobe through the years is about channeling whatever makes you feel fantastic and adding a bit of an edge. Age doesn't mean you shouldn't have fun with what you wear- you only live once! 

NIGHT

Elizabeth & James twill blazer//Elizabeth&James earrings//Tucker jumpsuit//Rachel Zoe bag//DVF heels//Salvador Ferragamo scarf//

The pantsuit is often forgotten as perhaps one of the easiest ways to dress up and yet still look polished and refined. It's a popular misconception to think that only 6 ft models can pull off this look but au contraire, it works for everyone. I know because I live in Los Angeles and have seen it all. Pairing a tailored jacket over the suit minimizes the waist and keeps you from having to don a belt, which can work against shorter figures as it tends to cut to the torso in half and make you appear even shorter- no thanks! Scarves, like hats, are huge in California and NY but sometimes are forgotten in other states. Nonetheless, tied to your bag, in your hair, or around your neck it is a vital accessory as they serve multiple purposes. As far as shoes go, comfort is key when you're trying to enjoy your evening so opting for a low but interesting heel is the way to go. I paired simple earrings and a structured bag to compliment the pantsuit. 

As a reminder, this is simply based on what I know will be my needs in the future. It may seem like a huge jump from your current wardrobe but once you start dressing for yourself, it makes a big difference in how you go through your day, interact with others, and your general outlook. Who feels ready to take on the world in ill fitting jeans and a sweatshirt? Not me, that's for sure. Try on anything and everything in the dressing room and don't be quick to dismiss what you think "won't look good"- just as in life, you'll never know until you try!

xo

WHAT TO WEAR: if I were back in high school...

...this would pretty much be my standard uniform. There are so many ways to wear these jeans, and I love the way they hang with weight. Does that make sense?
They also remind me of the jeans I wore in high school so subconsciously perhaps I'm biased. I've actually been thinking about getting a backpack to pack in the camera and lens, anything else gets crazy heavy on the shoulder after a while. This bag is pretty much perfection.

xo



Celine sunnies//Citizens of Humanity jeans//Alexander Wang jacket//Miista flats//CC Skye cuff//Kain top//Alexander Wang backpack//Zadig & Voltaire ring//

WHAT TO WEAR: st. paddy's day

Etoile Isabel Marant tank dress//Isabel Marant crochet dress//Vionnet satin sandals//Proenza Schoulder PS1 clutch

Oscar de la Renta

I am completely in love with the look of this crochet mini dress layered over a cotton tank dress as it appeals to both my Texas/California senses. It's the perfect shade of green for Saturday's St. Paddy's Day holiday and to be honest, it's about time I own something green. Plus, it doubles as festival wear! SXSW is still in full swing down in Texas but don't worry west coast, Coachella is right behind. 


Personal note: For me, it's always been about mostly one section of clothing at a time, never the whole ensemble. That of course, is the voice of inexperience and I'm slowly but surely training my mind to think in terms of whole, rather than pieces. Wearing a great dress but with shoddy shoes and the wrong bag isn't too far off from sporting panty lines or apathetically forgoing neat nails- it's such an easy fix and almost criminal not to take into consideration. 


Use dressing up tomorrow as an excuse to look at your whole outfit very carefully. And get those pinching fingers ready for those who went without their lucky green.




xo




p.s. Hook Em!