It’s been a while since we’ve done a roundup of backpacks for work, but most people really, really seem to like their Tumi backpacks — and if you’re looking for a “classic professional” style, Tumi is among those that are the most timeless. This nice leather laptop backpack is 20% off in the big Nordstrom … Read More about Coffee Break: Tumi
Workwear Hall of Fame: Felicia Flat
Update: This comfortable flat (with serious padding!) is included in the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale for as low as $83.
Coffee Break: Sadie Flat
I am honestly torn: I can’t decide which color of this flat I prefer. Problems, problems. This beigey caramel color is really lovely and would have that leg-lengthening effect if it’s a nude-for-you color — but the black version of the flat has a really great snakeskin texture that is so interesting. I’ve heard great … Read More about Coffee Break: Sadie Flat
Coffee Break: Marti Leather Shoulder Bag
The below content is about the 2018 Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale. I always like a nice blue bag — if you haven’t had one before you’ll be surprised how versatile the bag can be against workwear. Blue bags look great with black, navy, gray, white, and other neutrals, and can be a nice pop of contrast against … Read More about Coffee Break: Marti Leather Shoulder Bag
Coffee Break: Wallaroo Scrunchie Sunhat
I’ve taken sun protection very seriously since around the time my first son was born — I’m not sure if pregnancy made my skin more vulnerable or what, but what seemed at the time like adorable “I’m pregnant!” freckles have turned into darker spots that are distinctly less adorable. In short: Wear a hat and … Read More about Coffee Break: Wallaroo Scrunchie Sunhat
Coffee Break: Custom Business Tote
We recently heard from a reader who shared a recommendation for Glaser Designs, which is based in San Francisco and creates customized work and travel bags. She emailed to say, in part: I was in desperate need for a great looking and great functioning briefcase for years. Finally I found the BEST company on the … Read More about Coffee Break: Custom Business Tote
Coffee Break: Anika Curvy Pump
The problem with shoes these days is that they all seem to be either under $150 or over $800 — it’s great to see a brand in the middle, like these $245 pumps from James Chan. There are only four reviews (and one of them seems, er, very enthusiastic) but the others all note that … Read More about Coffee Break: Anika Curvy Pump
Coffee Break: Ana Mini Vibrant Belt
It can be tough to find a belt that’s a happy medium width — not too wide, not too skinny — but this colorful one from B-Low looks like it fits the bill. We’ve pictured it in yellow but it’s also available in “fuchsia” pink, royal blue, and kelly green, in sizes S, M, and L … Read More about Coffee Break: Ana Mini Vibrant Belt
Coffee Break: Wight Medium Saddle Hobo Bag
I was all set to recommend the Fontana satchel as a new-to-me entry in our ongoing collection of feminine briefcasey totes… but I happened to click on something that led me to the same brand’s Wight satchel, which I’m kind of in love with. Sure, it’s suede, and now is not the time one wants … Read More about Coffee Break: Wight Medium Saddle Hobo Bag
Coffee Break: Vanessa Lace-Up Pump
The below content is about the 2018 Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale. Wow – I love this lace-up pump from Jimmy Choo. After all the block heels we’ve seen of late, a classic stilletto heel is nice to see, and we all know I love a sleek strappy pump as a more comfortable heel. There’s a black-on-black … Read More about Coffee Break: Vanessa Lace-Up Pump
Coffee Break: Bud Vase
I’ve mentioned this before, but whenever I get flowers I love to put some of them in one big vase and then use smaller bud vases to sprinkle the flowers elsewhere — I particularly like a bud vase near my monitor. (Another place bud vases look great, if you’re home: the bathroom/powder room sink.) I … Read More about Coffee Break: Bud Vase
Coffee Break: Gem Trio Stud Earrings
These delicate little post earrings look fabulous for work — they give a teeny tiny little pop of color right where I usually need it: by my face. I’ve pictured them in ruby red, but they’re also available in emerald and sapphire; they’re all $450. Gem Trio Stud Earrings Looking for something more affordable? These tiny … Read More about Coffee Break: Gem Trio Stud Earrings