in the now.

as we come down from the holiday highs, many of us are busy jotting down resolutions, reflecting on the past year, or making goals for the next. i tried to write something thoughtful reflecting on 2013 or what i might expect for 2014, but honestly? i've always kinda lived in the now. yes, i have made "those" resolutions in the past...exercise more, eat healthy, try new things...and i do resolve to do them again. but those have become a given. and, sure, i have dreams. i have milestones that i'd like to reach in the future, but if i focus too much on them, then i lose sight of what's right in front of me. i miss out on what's happening, now.

so for the next year, i plan to just do. whatever. whenever. because my kids want to. because i want to. because it makes us happy, right now. and i can only hope that these experiences will build a better foundation for those [future] dreams and milestones. at least that's what i'm telling myself, right now.

are you a planner? or do you go with the flow...

roll with the punches?

ozoni (mochi soup) eaten on new year's day in celebration and in hope for a good year.

(outfit c/o Patty's Closet; h&m bag (similar on sale!))

a week of work wardrobe basics. archives.

this week was all about work wardrobe basics. build your wardrobe around these key pieces, and there will be endless re-mixing possibilities. as always, take the time to find pieces that fit you well so that you feel comfortable and confident when wearing them. i highlighted a few items throughout the week; here's the full list and some ways i've put them together in the past.

1) black pants

2) pencil skirt

3) jersey dress

4) dark denim

5) button-down blouses

6) black pumps

7) crisp white shirt

8) blazer

9) tees in neutral colors (white, black, gray)

10) black long-sleeved shirt (turtleneck or cowl neck)

11) cardigan

12) utility jacket

dark denim / button down

jersey dress

pencil skirt / cardigan

button down blouse / black pants

pencil skirt

 

black pumps / button down shirt

blazer / pencil skirt / white tee

crisp white shirt / black pumps

black tee / pencil skirt / black punps

button down / pencil skirt 

button down shirt / utility jacket / dark denim

black tee / pencil skirt 

hope you enjoyed this week of work wardrobe basics.

are there any basics on your list that's not on mine?

*     *     *

in case you missed it:

monday's black pants

tuesday's pencil skirt

wednesday's jersey dress

thursday's dark denim

a week of work wardrobe basics: dark denim.

another must-have in your work wardrobe is a pair of dark denim jeans. it's acceptable in most offices and looks polished and professional compared to lighter washes. invest in a good pair, and you will always have something to wear. this has been the go-to item in my closet because of its versatility. i'm wearing it here with a crisp, white shirt (also on my list) for a simple and classic outfit. a bold necklace and fun bag keep it from looking too much like a uniform.

two things to consider:

fit and style: a trouser style or boot cut works well. it should be fitted through the leg with a flare that allows the jean to fall nicely over your shoes without bunching. a skinny jean works, too, as long as it isn't too tight at the ankles. opt for one with a mid to high rise waist, and it should be fitted, not tight.

design: none! plain, non-descript, dark denim is best. the more embellishments it has, the less versatile (and office appropriate) it becomes.

i've had this pair for the life of this blog! here's the proof in one of my first posts! it's finally starting to fade...time to start looking for a replacement.

(express denim; gilly hicks shirt; jessica simpson shoes)

you might like these:

in case you missed it:

monday's black pants

tuesday's pencil skirt

wednesday's jersey dress

a week of work wardrobe basics: jersey dress.

continuing on with this week of work wardrobe basics, it's essential to have one good dress. for mornings when you don't have a lot of time, a dress is an instant outfit. i couldn't decide between an LBD, a wrap dress, or a jersey dress since they all weigh equally, in my opinion, but i figured an LBD and wrap dress could both be found in jersey material, so jersey dress

made the list.

the idea behind the jersey dress is that it's a comfortable fabric that doesn't wrinkle easily. with heels and a blazer it's appropriate for that boardroom meeting, but it also works with flats and a cardigan for casual fridays.

two things to consider:

style: choose one with sleeves or at least two-inch straps, but no spaghetti straps. ideally, the dress should be office appropriate as is, otherwise it defeats the purpose of being an instant outfit. a wrap style is always flattering, and the length should fall at or just above the knee.

color and print: a dark solid color is a safe bet for a basic, although any color works. solids have endless re-mixing possibilities. print is more of a concern as it should be subtle and small. a dress with huge skulls all over it, for example, is recognizeable, and you wouldn't be able to get away with wearing it twice in a week if you had to.

(miss tina dress via qvc; justfab uptown tote c/o; victoria's secret shoes)

you might like these:

  in case you missed it: monday's black pants tuesday's pencil skirt

a week of work wardrobe basics: pencil skirt.

another staple in my work wardrobe is a black pencil skirt.

it functions the same as black pants, but allows you to show off your feminine curves...and your shoes. i'm wearing simple black pumps (also on my list), but switch them out for a colorful, strappy pair and you have an outfit worthy of happy hour drinks.

two things to consider:

fit: a pencil skirt should be fitted but not tight. too loose,

and it'll spin around. too tight, and you'll be uncomfortable.

length: a pencil skirt should fall at or just below the knees.

too short, and you'll be tugging at it all day. plus, your knees are a "skinny" point in your silhouette. a skirt that hits at the knees will be slimming and give you that hourglass shape,

if you so desire.

invest in a good black one first, then explore

other fun prints and textures.

do you know who created the pencil skirt?

scroll down for the answer.

worn here with a simple creme blouse. add color to this neutral combo with a bright cardigan, colorful skinny belt, or fun bag.

to elongate: tuck in your blouses.

to further accentuate curves: pair with a peplum top.

(bcbg skirt; JustFab uptown tote; nine west shoes)

try these:

 

french designer, christian dior, introduced the pencil skirt in the late 1940s using the term "H-line" (as opposed to A-line) to describe its straight and narrow shape. its predecessor, the hobble skirt, was created by another french designer, paul poiret, in the early 1900s. it was coined hobble because it literally hobbled the wearer with its slim hemlines.

 source: ehow, wikipedia

in case you missed it:

monday's black pants

a week of work wardrobe basics: black pants.

this week, it's all about work wardrobe basics.

depending on where you live and what you do, your basics may differ, but i've found 12 key pieces that continue to work for me. i'll highlight a few this week and end with the full list.

black dress pants are essential to every wardrobe. they can be worn with practically anything...tees, silk blouses, and sweaters. you can even pair it with a black blazer if a suit is needed.

invest in a well-made pair, and you will always feel confident. choose one that is fitted, structured, and doesn't wrinkle easily. if you must have a stretch wasitband, make sure it's a thicker fabric. to elongate your legs, the length should be long enough to cover your shoes without touching the ground. cigarette pants in ankle length also work, but i would save the capris for the weekend.

paired here with a long-sleeved button-down blouse (which is also on my list), and a bright clutch/ipad case for a splash of color.

while i love a good arm stack, i usually streamline for the office. a statement ring, a couple of bracelets, and a simple necklace works for me. you have seen these often on the blog.

late night cupcakes from a neighbor.

(old navy top; bebe pants; jessica simpson shoes; mark. clutch)

here's a few you might like: