I always like any desk accessory that adds a nice pop of color, and this plastic “potted pen” desk accessory from Kikkerland looks like just the ticket. There’s a simpler version that’s avaialble at Amazon and ModCloth, but I like that this one serves as an iPhone tray and catches other miscellaneous things floating around … Read More about Coffee Break: Potted Pen Phone Stand
Coffee Break: Prasiolite Necklace
Wow: what a great necklace. I love how simple it is, no bezel or bling to speak of, just the clean, faceted lines of the semi-precious stones. I’ve pictured the prasiolite, but it’s also available as an amethyst and white topaz… all for the splurgey cost of $2000. POMELLATO Nudo 18-karat rose gold prasiolite necklace This … Read More about Coffee Break: Prasiolite Necklace
Coffee Break: The Modern Point Flat
The pointed loafer — particularly with slits along the vamp so the top feels like a separate piece — is one of the biggest trends in shoes that I’m excited about for workwear. First and foremost, because these kinds of loafers often look great with dresses — and also because they can be more comfortable … Read More about Coffee Break: The Modern Point Flat
Coffee Break: Tropical Floral Printed Scarf
I looove the vivid colors of this scarf — it just seems so happy, and such an easy piece to throw on to liven up a neutral outfit, or to add more visual interest to another outfit like gray pinstriped pants. The scarf was $59.50, but is now marked to $39.99 at J.Crew. You can … Read More about Coffee Break: Tropical Floral Printed Scarf
Coffee Break: Mini Transport Tote
Ooh. I tend to dislike crossbody bags personally, as well as large flappy totes, but something about this tote is calling my name — despite it being a smaller, crossbody version of Madewell’s very popular Transport tote (which can be a bit floppy). It feels fresh and new — as well as flattering — and I … Read More about Coffee Break: Mini Transport Tote
Coffee Break: Michel Bootie
Oooh: It may be a bit early for bootie season, but if you’re a fan of Rag & Bone’s hugely popular Harrow bootie, you may want to try these much more affordable, lower-heeled boots from Born. I love that these are only 2” high (as opposed to 3.5” with the Harrow) yet still have the flattering cutout in … Read More about Coffee Break: Michel Bootie
Coffee Break: Dia White Sapphire Roni Hoop Earrings
These small studs seem stately but fresh — I love the circle-square-rectangle pattern and the fact that they’re small sapphires. They’re $55 at Saks Off 5TH — and there’s a rhodium-plated version at Nordstrom for $95. Elizabeth and James Dia White Sapphire Roni Hoop Earrings (L-3)
Coffee Break: ‘Dionysus’ Embellished Square Toe Flat
I was all set to write about these loafers today (iconic! bestsellers! vaguely comfortable and jolie-laide-stylish!), when suddenly I got distracted by something else: What was that little tiny flat in the picture? Ah, Nordstrom, your shopping recommendation gets me yet again. LOVE the hardware on here (both because it is “channeling classic Greek mythology” … Read More about Coffee Break: ‘Dionysus’ Embellished Square Toe Flat
Coffee Break: ‘Jane’ Bedford Nylon Handbag
If you’re looking for a lightweight, durable, stylish nylon handbag, don’t overlook this bestseller from MZ Wallace. I love the red lining and the organization. The bag is $365, available at Nordstrom — they have a number of smaller purses and crossbody styles as well. MZ Wallace ‘Jane’ Bedford Nylon Handbag (L-3)
Coffee Break: Original’ Hair Tie
I got a set of these recently and wasn’t quite sure what to think — they reminded me of old phone cords, and I liked that they’re supposedly better for your hair. (The company’s line: they “place even pressure around the circumference of your ponytail in order to minimize breakage and crimping.”) But I actually … Read More about Coffee Break: Original’ Hair Tie
Coffee Break: Mixed Gemstone Y-Chain
I’ve seen tons of iterations of this trendy Y-chain pendant, from high to low, but I’ve always seen it photographed by itself or styled on a Boho twenty-something with ripped flares and a flower headband. I never quite envisioned them for work until I saw this one styled with a crewnecked, heavyweight dress. It looks … Read More about Coffee Break: Mixed Gemstone Y-Chain
Coffee Break: Audrey Milano Tote With Laptop Pocket
Lodis’s Audrey line is a reader favorite, but I don’t think we’ve ever done a separate Coffee Break just for them. This laptop tote has has an interior snap closure, a flat bottom, tons of organization inside, and a really discreet logo (on the lower RH corner). It’s available in red, black, and toffee over … Read More about Coffee Break: Audrey Milano Tote With Laptop Pocket