I needed something conservative and classic the other day for a work event, and reached for one of my favorite black dresses. Driving to the event I remembered a time I wore the dress while at the law firm, then realized that meant I’d had it well over a decade. I suppose some closet maintenance rules would dictate that the dress should be long gone, but I happen to love it when I make a purchase that can stand the test of time. No better bet for that than a great black dress. I think this one has a good chance of lasting through the years, as it is conservative but has enough detail to keep it interesting with the buttons, pleats and dainty tie at the waist.

Nanette Lepore dress | Rebecca Minkoff clutch (same pattern similar style here, 65% off, and same style, plain black here) | Kate Spade necklaces and sunglasses (exact style sold out, similar on sale here) | J Crew earrings | Michael Kors watch | Madewell bracelet
(more…)

I love breaking out the bright colors in the spring and summer. I suppose it comes from so many months of cloudy winter weather – during which time my outfits often blend in with the landscape – lots of gray, black, and navy, sometimes with a pop of bright color but usually just in an accessory.  I’ll be honest, this dress first caught my eye online because of the price (around $36 after the discount) but I also really loved the color. Colors can be deceiving online, but the dress arrived in the same bright red orange I was expecting. Although it’s a little bit shorter than what I would usually wear for work attire, I think the longer length in the back and loose fit make it appropriate for more causal functions (I wore this to two separate evening work events in the span of a week).

Banana Republic dress (sold out, but same color and great style here – on sale too!) and necklace (plus a similar version here) | Tory Burch shoes (old, similar here) and ring (love the two tone version here) | Coach bag (similar here) | Alexis Bittar earrings (old, love these for summer) | Kate Spade sunglasses | Michael Kors watch | Madewell bracelet 
(more…)

“Bohemian” is probably the last thing that comes to mind when describing my style, but I think it’s important to mix things up a bit every once in a while. This dress isn’t too over-the-top boho chic (which I couldn’t pull off) but it definitely is a different look for me. Not unusual for me is that it falls in that category of dresses that I purchase more and more of these days – easy in that the pattern doesn’t require too much accessorizing, and comfortable but not too casual. In the spring and summer months in particular I often go straight from the office to an activity of or with the kids and need my attire to be able to fit both situations.

Nanette Lepore dress | Banana Republic shoes and sunglasses (last season, similar style and price point here and here) | J Crew necklace (not available online) | Anthropologie earrings | Michael Kors watch | Madewell bracelet | Marc Jacobs handbag (love this color for summer)
(more…)