purple heel for the office

Coffee Break: Easy Spirit Pumps

Reader A sent in these shoes — and they look to be great purple pumps. I like the buckle detail on the front, as well as the stripey detailing on the toe and heel. They’re available in black and purple for $39.97 (buy 1, get 1 50% off!) at Easy Spirit (available in sizes 6-12,…

house ad reads "OUR TOP TIPS FOR WINTER BUSINESS CASUAL"; background image shows a young professional woman wearing winter business casual and walking in a snowy city
Coffee Break:  Skinny polka-dot silk belt

Coffee Break: Skinny polka-dot silk belt

This belt is the current object of my obsession. Love, love love the white polka-dots edged in green, the navy belt, the pink buckle — fabulous. Yes, it’s probably the kind of thing you’ll see knocked off at Forever21 for about $9 (which is a shame, I think), but for the moment, this high-end, glorious…

Coffee Break: Lisbon Oxfords

Coffee Break: Lisbon Oxfords

In our conversation yesterday about basic black pumps, readers reminded me of a very comfortable brand that I forget sometimes — Me Too. True enough, this oxford pump has glowing customer reviews on comfort (yes, despite the height) and walkability. As I’ve said before, I think this style can be one of the easiest to…

scarf for women

Coffee Break: Floating Feathers Scarf

I’m loving this wispy, artsy wool scarf from Madewell — love the colors and the abstract pattern. I’d use it for a pop of color and whimsy with a blazer of almost any color. Was $49, now $24.99 at Madewell. Floating Feathers Scarf (L-2)

scarf for women

Coffee Break: Pixel Floral Cashmere Scarf

Maybe I spent too much of my childhood playing games like King’s Quest (and Space Quest and Police Quest…), but I love the pixelated-on-purpose look to this floral scarf. It strikes me as witty, but also artsy (for those who don’t remember the 1980s graphics) and, given the muted colors, a good basic. It’s marked…