A fashion and lifestyle blog for women lawyers, bankers, MBAs, consultants, and otherwise overachieving chicks
From the category archives:
Nordstrom’s shoe clearance sale is underway, and we’re liking these simple open-toes by Stuart Weitzman, available in both “cognac tartaruga” (pictured) and navy patent. Like the button detail, like the patent, like the general look. The shoes were $335, now marked to $199.90 at Nordstrom (lots of sizes still left). Stuart Weitzman ‘Dabba’ Pump
N.B. Open-toe shoes will not be appropriate in every office — know your office!
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Reader E writes to us with a request for an accessories post on hats:
I would love to see a post on how to wear hats, not winter hats, but some of the more structured 50′s-esque hats that seem to be everywhere. I imagine they aren’t appropriate for a conservative office environment but where exactly are they okay to where? Only outside? I love these hats and would like to incorporate them into my wardrobe but I’m just not sure how.
To be honest, whenever I think of hats I think of one of my favorite movies, “Bringing Up Baby
That said — some of my friends look great in hats, and celebrities do seem to wear them a lot. The key to wearing them does seem to be integrating them into your outfit as an essential component. This isn’t going to be like a purse that you can wear with everything — you have to think about your outfit’s proportions, and colors, and the general “statement” you hope to make with it (as well as whether the hat looks attractive on you given your facial features in general). You may want to start with a cowboy hat or a fedora, as those seem to be the styles I see most — and then work your way up to something a bit more unique or with vintage appeal. Another popular look these days is the headband-so-large-it-could-be-a-hat, similar to the peacock one below — that might also be a dip your toe into the waters of headwear.
Volcom - Frankie Fedora (Black) - Hats, available at Zappos for $38 |
Raffia Crochet Cowboy Hat, available at ShopBop.com for $49 (was $50) |
Peacock Feather Headband with Polka Dots and White Goose Feathers, available at Etsy from seller intothelookinglass for $12.50. |
As for WHEN, I would limit wearing a hat to your off hours — I doubt I’d bring one anywhere near an office (but maybe that’s just me?). I seem to see them a lot when worn at parties and BBQs, or Sunday brunch kind of events — where you’re still casual, but want your outfit to look deliberate.
Readers, what are your thoughts on hats? How do you wear them, or choose one that fits best with your style and face? Would you ever wear one anywhere near the office (not counting winter hats)?
(L-4)
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I’m always a fan of Marc by Marc Jacobs bags, and this lovely satchel is no different — LOVE the print on the inside, the numerous pockets, and the size. I’m normally not a brown-purse kind of gal, but the caramel color strikes me as just right. It’s $369 (was $528) at ShopBop. Marc by Marc Jacobs Damisi Patchwork Leola Satchel
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I have a beloved nylon tote that was my go-to for interviews for a long time. It’s super lightweight, nondescript, and has a simple pocket inside that’s perfect for carrying a few pens and pencils. It is, alas, so “loved” that it’s no longer really a professional thing to take around — the “leather” handles are peeling, there are threads poking out everywhere, and there’s even some sort of big snag on the side.
In case other ladies are looking for a similar tote (either to replace a much-loved version or to buy one for interview season), I thought I’d share my hunt for a new, perfect nylon tote. My old tote dimensions, which I thought were perfect: 15″ wide, by 11.5″ high, by 3″ deep, with an 11″ shoulder drop.
 This one from Merona has a faux leather look to it, which isn’t usually my thing — but for $29.99 it’s hard to go wrong with it. I like that it includes a lot of interior organization — padded laptop pocket, cell phone pocket, and key ring holder — and I also like that it zips closed. The dimensions are pretty close to my old beloved favorite — 16″ wide, 12″ high, 4.75″ deep. It’s $29.99 at Target. Merona Croco Work Tote – Black |
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Readers, what do you look for in a lightweight but professional tote? Any great finds of late?
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This strikes us as an amazing alternative to a classic 16″ pearl necklace — love the color, and the pop of blue — and there’s something nice about being able to answer the question “what IS that made of” with “vintage red Ethiopian ‘tomato’ glass, Bali silver & sapphire nugget.” We’d wear it with a white button-front blouse and, perhaps, a gray blazer to the office; we also might play with a contrasting color and try it with a purple shirt. It’s $632 at RevolveClothing.com. Adesso Saba Necklace in Red
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Great gray tote from Tianni — like the belt detailing, the zipper closure, and the interior pockets, as well as the general look of the bag. It’s available in grey (pictured), black, and rose at Endless.com for $74. Magid Jacquelyn Large Tote
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