It's a Brief Case.

Since my last post was all about suits, I think that it is only fitting that this post be about another important business item, briefcases! To many, briefcases may be obsolete, but I think that there is something so much more appealing about a luscious leather case in comparison with a ratty old backpack. The good thing about briefcases made for women today is that they are very similar to the fashionable large totes that many designers and local retailers sell. When buying a briefcase, keep in mind these tips:

• it pays off to purchase one with supportive straps, so that it can withstand the weight of laptops, notebooks, etc.
• consider buying a briefcase with compartments so that everything can be easily organized

This Cognac colored Pelle T-Lux Leather Briefcase w/ Push Lock & Belt Detail by Wilson's Leather offers a stylish alternative to the traditional briefcase.

This Navy Leather Fold Large Play Tote by Kenneth Cole has thick double straps accented with silver buckles. This is the perfect tote for the working person on the go.

Color Me "Suit"able

I went to a lecture today about transitioning into the work world after college. I couldn't help noticing that the lecturer had on an amazing nautically influenced red suit with gold accessories, and I became ecstatic about the fact that soon I will have the responsibility of buying suits and other workforce essentials such as these. What I admired about her choice of clothing is that she was able to adapt her style to the suit and tie corporate world. She proved that professional clothes don't have to equate to boring clothes.

I really like this Navy Blue Diane von Furstenberg Skirt Suit. Neiman Marcus has paired it with a kaleidescope geometric brick print chiffon top to add some pop to the traditional silhouette and camel colored peep toe sling back pumps by Jimmy Choo help diversify the navy and also to give the suit a youthful summer look.

I would add a bib necklace such as Gold this Kenneth Jay Lane Branch necklace to this outfit.

This natural colored short suit by J. Mendel is paired with a loose fit eggshell colored shell, ecru colored sandals and a khaki military inspired clutch. While I wouldn't suggest wearing this suit in very traditional work environments, add a longer pair of shorts, and this look just may work on Casual Fridays.

This splattered fabric suit by J. Mendel also fits into the non-traditional suit category. The Mandarin collar and casual belt used to define the waist help the suit to be sophisticated yet rustic.

So obviously I think that J. Mendel has mastered the "office" look. Pairing this white blazer with a flowy white cocktail dress and white strappy sandals makes this a perfect outfit for a transition from the office to a night out on the town.

White Coat Ceremony

Today was a relatively cool summer day, so I was actually caught in some situations where I needed a jacket. Well, we all know that summer time is not the time for fleeces, but a nice white blazer will do.

Take this Short Cotton Sateen Blazer by Ann Taylor. The asymmetrical detail in the hemline is appealing and also allows for belts and details in jean washes on jean pockets to be visible. The button-less detail also allows for your flowy summer blouses to peek through.

T-Shirt Story.

I'm ashamed to admit that I've just recently realized the significance of a good fitting t-shirt in one's wardrobe. Now, I do believe that this addition is so necessary for any fashionista (o) worth their salt. I mean, I'd love to be all dolled up every day of the week, but some days I'm just not feeling it, or some occasions, such as walking the dog or going to the grocery store just don't call for anything extremely fabulous. That's when a well designed T-Shirt comes to the rescue. When I say well designed I mean a breathable, fitted, v-neck t-shirt that comes in a variety of colors suitable to the season and can easily be dressed up with the right accessories.

Take this navy blue Perfect Fit Tee from Oldnavy. It'll only set you back about $10.00, and it can be easily dressed up with the seasons hottest gold accessories or pearls. Yes, pearls can be worn with T-Shirts.

Yes, it can be a purse, too!

Since I was in the 2nd grade, I've LOVED purses. I can't remember a day since then that I haven't gladly toted one around, even if it was just my Purple Moon Backpack Purse. One of my favorite things to do is to make something that isn't normally considered a purse into one. Case in point: My giraffe print Clueless inspired purse from the 5th grade. Yes, I still have this purse. You may be wondering, "what does she mean her Clueless inspired purse?" Well if you are a product of the 90s, such as myself, you might remember Cher and Dionne carrying around box purses that closely resemble train cases such as this one. Want to know the best thing about these purses? They have mirrors built into the body of the case, and their constricted shapes makes it hard for you to over pack them!

Not Your Grandmother's Pearls.

For many, pearls bring to mind visions of their grandmother's playing bridge, but as a certified southern belle, I'm here to tell you otherwise. Lately more and more designers are incorporating pearls into their collections, giving a youthful twist to the traditional jewelery piece. If you're new to the pearl game or you're a college student like myself that doesn't wish to invest buku money in trying to build up her pearl game, try forever21.com. They have a lot of jewelry pieces that incorporate pearls such as:

This beautiful Pink Pearl Gold Cluster Ring is only $3.80

This forever21.com ring also utilizes the cluster technique through incorporating pink roses with the pearls. It runs at $3.80.

This gold forever21.com ring is in the shape of a shield with the pearl at the center of a sea of rhinestones. Perfect for a day at the office or an evening out on the town.

Who says Matchy Matchy is the way to go?

So I was in the department store today perusing the purses section, when a beautiful dress caught my eye. It was this "High Wasted Combo" dress by designer Rachel Roy. The dress resembles a high waist skirt and shirt combination. The cool thing about the dress is that the material used for the bottom of the dress is thicker than the lightweight material used for the top of the dress, and the top is also a floral while the bottom is a crosshatch pattern. The designers use of blues ties the two together. This is a perfect transition dress for days where you may not have time to change attire between the office and cocktail hour.

Welcome!

Hello readers,

I've started this blog to discuss exactly what I like about fashion.