Work Wardrobe: Pleats Please

I love this clearance find of mine.  I found this dress at Kohls (of course) from the fantastic Catherine Malandrino line that I gave rave reviews to last year.  See the full review here.

This dress gives a hint of sexy in the length, a pinch of interest in the offset and over-sized buttons, and a Fall/Winter vibe in the fabric and color.  Most importantly, its the pleats.  (Anchorman fans, I will give you a minute to quote the movie.  "It's the pleats...in the pants...I am taking the back to the pants store."  You're welcome.)

I got away with wearing this to work with tights but I was cutting it close!  See my tips here on how to add some extra length to your favorite skirts & dresses!  ~B

Pleated Grey Dress - Catherine Malandrino for Kohls - $12.00 on clearance
Black Tights - Assets by Spanx - $24.00
Black Knee-high Boots - Fergalicious from Famous Footwear

Try these other pleated options!

Apt. 9 Geometric Fit & Flare Dress
$42.00 at Kohls 

Studio Pleated Faux Leather Midi

$110.90 on eloquii.com (it is a splurge but look for sales like 50% off!)

Faux-Suede Pleated Mini Skirt

$32.00 at Old Navy

Dapper Danny: Nothing Rhymes with Orange

Orange is a tricky color to incorporate into your work wardrobe.  I think Danny did a great job this time.  It didn't turn into a Halloween homage either.  He wore a Calvin Klein tie thinly striped with orange, mostly grey.  We found it at Nordstrom Rack for around $15.  The socks are by Funky Socks, also from Nordstrom Rack.  We won't ever pay full price on these types of items.  Places like Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls, and online shops like HauteLook, always have deals on good stuff.  ~B

Winery Wear - Good Wine and Great Music

Hello all!  This past Sunday I had such a wonderful time at the Springers Creek Winery in Edwardsville, IL.  This little winery was basically a few old houses connected by some patios.  Decorated with a shabby chic array of portraits, lamps, and carpets, it offers a warm, "coffee shop from Friends" vibe.  I had the Orchard Hill, a Riesling with hints of apple flavors, so delicious!  It is run by a fantastic family who makes you feel at home.

My pretty talented, song-writing brother played for a few hours.  With a mix of original songs and covers of 90s classics, he rocked it!  He has some clever word play in his lyrics and the calming melodies were a perfect mood-setter.

As for my outfit, I wanted a relaxed sweater for sure and what is a winery trip without a hat!  Details are below.  ~B

Grey Solid Caftan Sweater - Jennifer Lopez for Kohls - $30.00
Jean Leggings in Dark Blue - Old Navy, check out my favorite pair out here
Mauve Hat with Bow - Forever 21 (clearance baby!)
Silver Layered Necklace - Sonoma for Kohls (clearance again!)

Work Wardrobe: Layering for Fall

I am always throwing a cardigan over my short sleeve or sleeveless dresses for Fall and Winter.  It gets a little old so I decided to layer from underneath this time!  I loved it!  To keep it from going too "nun in a library" I used the fuschia blouse, an extra sparkly necklace and grey booties!  I loved the finished product.  ~B

Black Cap Sleeve Dress - The Limited
Fuschia Crepe Blouse - Apt. 9 for Kohls featured here as one of B's Favorite Things!
White Crystal Necklace - Our World Boutique via Jane.com
Black Opaque Tights - Apt. 9 for Kohls (available in lots of Fall colors here)
Grey and Black Wedge Booties - Mudd for Kohls featured in my Bootie Boot Camp

B's Favorite Things: Grey T-shirt

Danny and I were shopping at H&M (which now has a website for the USA!) when he picked up a plain grey tee for $5.  He wore it once and on the second round of washing it met the unforgiving heat of the dryer.  Oops.  But don't be too sad because I have a new grey tee now!  It is quite the multifunctional piece.  This is how I wear it.

Girly Grey:  The tee still has a guy's fit so when I wear it I roll the sleeves up a few times and usually tuck it in to a skirt or pants.  The grey tee is a wonderful foundation for patterns, a bold lip color, or a statement necklace.  If you are feeling saucy, go for all three!  

Girly Grey Look (pardon the amateur photo)

Weekend Grey: When I want to look relaxed but still stylish I will throw on a pair of skinny jeans, combat boots, and a leather jacket with the tee.  Maybe a long gold necklace or patterned scarf to add some pop.  A red lip and aviators will throw you over the cool edge!

Weekend Grey Look

Career Grey:  Yes, I rocked the grey tee at work and yes it worked.  I paired the tee with white dress pants, a silver skinny belt, black ballet flats and my yellow statement necklace.  I left patterns and leather out of it to make a simple and clean look.  Put your hair in a bun for the lady-like touch this outfit needs.

Career Grey Look

Are you running to check your t-shirt drawer?  You probably should!

~B 

***All of the clothes pictured on this page live in my closet.***