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Business Casual

Business Casual My Style

Pink & Blue {J. Crew Lady Coat + Brooks Brothers Plaid Dress}

plaid-dress-6

{Brooks Brothers Plaid Dress (ON SALE!), J. Crew ‘Lady’ Coat, Vintage Bow (similar here), Forever 21 Bib (similar here), Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps}

I think this may be my favorite outfit of 2016…

Yeah, I know that’s not really saying a lot since we’re only about 5 weeks in – but this getup still has me pretty geeked for several reasons:

Reason #1: I’d been eyeing this plaid dress on the Brooks Brother’s site for a month or two before it finally went on sale for half off. I was tempted on numerous occasions to purchase it at full retail, but my inner cheapskate won out as I knew the price would eventually drop (Brooks Brothers ALWAYS has amazing sales, in case you didn’t know). I took a gamble that my size would still be in stock, and it paid off! Don’t you just love it when that happens? I wore this dress by iteself with black tights and heels for Christmas dinner with the fam’, but here I opted for a schoolgirl look by layering a collared bib (a serious wardrobe game-changer, trust me!) and prissy bow underneath.

Reason #2: After reviewing my crazy outta control extensive shoe collection a while back, I came to the shocking realization that I didn’t own a pair of basic black pumps. I had yellow, turquoise, bright red, leopard print, plaid, gingham and pretty much everything in between, but not a sensible black heel in sight. How crazy is that?! To make a long story short: after 6 months of searching (not even an exaggeration), I came to the conclusion that a classic Manolo BB Pump was the shoe for me.  Unfortunately at around $600 bucks a pop, I was a little reluctant to pull the trigger. Ok… a LOT reluctant.  Luckily, my shoe prayers were answered when I stumbled upon these beauties on the clearance rack at Bergdorf’s. They were the only pair in my size – actually they were the only pair, PERIOD – and I got them for 1/3 the original price! Still a pretty penny, but I know that I’ll get my money’s worth.

Reason #3: My coat is PINK… ’nuff said!

Business Casual My Style

The Great Plaid Cape{r}

Pink Plaid Cape Pink Plaid Cape Pink Plaid Cape{Asos Plaid Cape (also adore this poncho in a similar print), Forever 21 Sweater Dress, Chloe Handbag, American Apparel Beret, Vince Camuto Ankle Boots}

Yes, this dress is a repeat offender, but I just can’t help it. Whenever life gets hectic, I tend to reach for the same reliable pieces over and over again. This particular piece (sold out now, but similar here and here) serves as the perfect blank canvas that can be transformed into many different looks (as evidenced here and here).

Maybe it’s just me, but I always feel so chic and polished (and perhaps even a little dramatic!) whenever I toss on a cape. Asos has a great selection right now (at some really awesome price points), and I may or may not have one or two of the ones shown below on their way to me in the mail…

Guess you’ll just have to keep tuning in to find out!

Business Casual My Style

Dress for Success {Buffalo Plaid Skirt + Shawl-Neck Cardigan}

Thank you to ShopStyle and Dress for Success for partnering on this post. Click here for a full disclaimer. #BloggersGive

Pleated Buffalo Plaid Skirtpleated-buffalo-plaid-skirt-7 pleated-buffalo-plaid-skirt-2 pleated-buffalo-plaid-skirtpleated-buffalo-plaid-skirt-8{Gap Cardigan (old, similar here), J. Crew Shirt, Tommy Hilfiger Coat + Buffalo Plaid Skirt, Louis Vuitton Handbag, Sam Edelman Shoes (old, similar here and here}

Hello Lovelies,

Today, I’m teaming up with Dress for Success to donate 10% of any sales from this blog post to empowering women to achieve economic independence. In case you’re not familiar, Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization that provides a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. As for my own professional journey…

Last spring, I took a major leap of faith and left my job in information technology to start my own business doing online marketing. It’s easily one of the best career and personal decisions I’ve ever made, and I’ve learned and grown so much over the past year and a half. It hasn’t been easy (not by a long shot), but I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything in the world.

One of the most refreshing aspects of being a #LadyBoss is that I get to set my own schedule (mostly, ha!) and dress however I please since I’m now in a more creative field. In fact, I’ve only had to wear a suit once in the past 3 months… Hallelujah! With that being said, I still like to look professional and polished, especially when I’m doing a presentation or meeting with clients. I definitely feel most confident when I’m wearing COLOR and a great pair of shoes, and I think this outfit fits the bill perfectly. I’d love to hear your story of what you wear to feel confident, so drop me a line in the comments!

Below are a few of my favorite go-to brands for office wear. On December 8th and 9th, 10% of sales from my blog will go to Dress for Sucess AND ShopStyle will match this contribution $1 for $1.  And be sure to check out the ShopStyle Bloggers Give Back page for more inspiration.

ANN TAYLOR
ANNE KLEIN
BANANA REPUBLIC
BROOKS BROTHERS
CALVIN KLEIN
J.CREW 
RALPH LAUREN
TOMMY HILFIGER 
TAHARI