
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!
(L-2)
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
,” in which Kate Hepburn wears a lot of, um, interesting hats. Oh, and I think of that show “Blossom,” also. But let’s not let my mild dislike of hats (except for comic relief) stand in our way.
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)
Tagged as:
hats,
how to wear hats,
when to wear hats

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 |
 This bag looks a bit bigger than what I normally think of as an interview tote, but it still looks professional, and I like the fact that there’s nothing “faux” about it. The reasonable price — $49.50 — doesn’t hurt either. It’s available in black, khaki and teal at Banana Republic.com. Banana Republic Nylon Buckle Tote |
 Is it bad that I don’t care that this one says it’s a diaper bag? It still looks like a great bag to me (and, though I have no experience with them, seems somewhat small for a diaper bag at 11″x14″x6″). Again, not a huge fan of the white-on-black stitching, but so it goes. It’s $198 at Endless. Storksak Gigi Large Diaper Bag |
 Now the bags start to get expensive. I like the look of this one a lot, and particularly like the fun interior print. At 12.5″x17″x4″, it’s a bit bigger than my old one, but that can be okay. It’s available at Endless in black, forest, metallic brown, metallic copper, metallic olive, and “steel” for $219. Latico Candice Slim Porter |
Readers, what do you look for in a lightweight but professional tote? Any great finds of late?

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
Tagged as:
Endless,
gray,
grey,
Magid Jacquelyn Large Tote,
Tianni,
totes