Shades of Camel in the Sun

v-neck sweater from Banana Republic, turtleneck by Vince, pants from LOFT, Rosegold suede booties, Ray Ban aviator sunglasses, scarf from Arden B.

I don't know how much longer I can stand outside to take outfit photos, my friends! It's about 30 degrees out, but the bright sun gave me courage. And the scarf helps.

No Shopping for Me

teal sweater from Banana Republic, shirt by Calvin Klein, pants by Madewell, Circa Joan & David patent heels

What kind of style blogger am I? I did not buy anything on Black Friday. I did not buy anything online on Cyber Monday. Actually, I have little plans or desire to go clothes or shoe shopping at all! I am in a "I do not want what I haven't got" mood for a few weeks now, and I don't know when it will end.

However I am not opposed to people sending me clothes for free! I won this Banana Republic sweater from a blog recently, and I am looking forward to incorporating this new color with browns and greys this winter. I wish I had more teal and navy blue in my winter closet. I would love to pair this sweater with a navy blue shirt underneath and my camel pants. Perhaps someday!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, my friends. Did you purchase anything exciting?

Basic Black Blazer

black blazer by Sandra Angelozzi, t-shirt by Vince, pants from Banana Republic, Calvin Klein belt, Circa Joan & David low heels

I love the look of suits. It comes from my mom, whom I used to see get dressed in a suit every day to go into the office, growing up. I always wanted to wear suits and go work in an office! 

So now I work in an office, but the creatives in an agency don't wear suits anymore, at least not daily. But once in a while, I try it, and hope my co-workers don't think I have a lunchtime interview. Here I am dressing it down with a grey t-shirt.

I won't be blogging for the rest of the week, so I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Red - Camel and Blonde

long camel cardigan by Rampage, red top from Banana Republic, pants from LOFT, necklace from husband, Franco Sarto almond wedges, OPI 20 Candles on My Cake nail polish

Today I'm a little blonder thanks to my Aveda hair colorist! And I changed my nail polish to match my shirt, again. Love camel and red together, don't you my friends? This is all "old" clothing, except for the shoes, everything I've had for years.

Too Fancy for Work?

sweater by Dallin Chase, skirt by XCVI, thrifted necklace, Via Spiga patent heels

Sometimes when choosing an outfit for work, I feel like I should be wearing it to church. But with this skirt, I feel like I should be pairing it with a satin blouse and wearing it out for a fancy dinner. It's difficult to see in this photo, but the skirt has a lot of ruching. However, it is corduroy, so that makes it feel more casual. When I wear it with riding boots, like I normally do, it is more day-appropriate. Oh well, I guess there's nothing wrong with a little daytime glamour!

72 Degrees in Mid November

maroon shirt by Calvin Klein, bib necklace unknown, skirt from Ann Taylor, Circa Joan & David riding boots, OPI Romeo & Joliet nail polish

Sorry that top photo is a bit blurry! A nice outfit on such an amazingly warm day. Enjoy it, my friends!

My Favorite T-Shirt Brands

grey heather t-shirt by Vince, cardigan by Charter Club, Logan straight-leg pants from Banana Republic, Cole Haan Miranda heels, Zoya Kalista nail polish

Let's talk t-shirts! I have quite a few, with Star Wars, PowerPuff Girls, and rock icons on them. But as a layering basic for work, I need some plain colored ones.

I haven't tried every brand, but here are my tried-and-true favorites. 

1. Vince. If I had my choice, and price wasn't an issue, I'd buy Vince all the time. So soft, the perfect weight, the perfect stretch. Size Small is too tight across my chest (!) so I always get Medium. These pricey tees (in the neighborhood of $60) can be had for less on eBay, on sale at Shopbop, or for $25 at a TJ Maxx with a Runway section.

2. Splendid. I love these t-shirts. Long-sleeve items run a little too long for my arms, but these are great quality, and less expensive than Vince. Runs true-to-size.

3. Michael Stars. I have a long-sleeve Michael Stars t-shirt that I've had for about eight years, and it still looks brand-new, no holes, no pilling. These only come in one size, which they call One Size Fits Most.

Do you have t-shirts you swear by, my friends?

Cozy in the Sun

Bordeaux Large Tote by Pour la Victoire, sweater dress by Calvin Klein, magenta shirt by Jones New York, Circa Joan & David riding boots

It's a crisp morning, in the 30s, and perfect for a cozy sweater dress and this oversized handbag, with its ponyhair panels and neon green handle accents. The handbag is a prize I won over at the blog Diary of a Fashion Addict and I really love it. 

On another note, if you're looking for a great selection of tights, my friends, I wouldn't recommend your local mall or department store, which will only carry two brands. I got these Ralph Lauren tights at DSW, and I also found an amazing selection at Nordstrom RACK and Marshalls. All kinds of different brands, colors, and textures.

A Great Blazer

orange velour blazer by Jones New York Signature Petite, red silk blouse by Calvin Klein, cropped plaid pants from LOFT, V Italia boots, Burberry quilted coat

I don't have very many blazers, I have more cardigans for layering. I love the burnt orange and the casual fabric. It's a little boxy, but this outfit is all about the cropped shape.

It Was A Dark and Stormy

plaid shirt by DKNY Jeans, skirt from Anthropologie, Rosegold suede booties, Rimmel London Hot Cocoa nail polish

It was a dark and stormy morning, and as I went out to take my photos as normal, I tried not to notice the dismembered hand on the windowsill. Its skin was green like rotting flesh, the nails were black, and I couldn't help but wonder if there was a zombie apocolapse overnight, since that asteroid is coming so close to earth today. At least I'm dressed for action, inspired by an image in a Madewell catalog. Stay safe today, my friends!

A Little Fall of Red

red sweater from Rugby Ralph Lauren, skirt from Ann Taylor, Calvin Klein suede booties

This purposefully-nubby brushed wool sweater is the perfect thing to wear on a dreary Fall day. Hey, when you find a color that looks good on you, you don't need to stray too far away from it! Have a wonderful day, my friends!

What’s the Point of the 5th Pocket?

All of my jeans, except my denim leggings, are what they call “5-Pocket”. You know, two front pockets, two back pockets, and then a tiny little “bonus” pocket inside one of the front pockets. Whose idea was this, and more importantly, why? This must be a major selling point, because there is hardly a pair of denim out there that doesn’t boast this feature.
So I thought I’d come up with some ways to put that little pocket to use. Like, for example:

1. When you’re standing around waiting for the bus in your 5-pocket jeans, look cool by sticking a finger or two in that little pocket. Now strike a pose, and don an “I like my fifth pocket and I don’t care who knows it!” attitude.
2. Carry around little tiny items that would get lost in your other four, larger pockets. Like earring backs, ticket stubs, cat treats, or lipstick. OK, never mind about the lipstick, that will hurt when you sit down.
3. To keep yourself smelling nice, put some loose potpourri in it. That will last a lot longer than any perfume.
4. When you’re at some event where you have to wear an annoying clip-on pass, don’t clip it onto your shirt, handbag, or coat. Be a rebel and clip it into that fifth pocket where it will be secure and out of your way.
5. Finally, this fifth pocket is the perfect place to keep cash if you’re walking in a dangerous neighborhood, ATM pin numbers, or any other secret information you need. No one EVER checks the fifth pocket!

So, my friends, there are some ways to get the most out of that little front pocket. May they serve you well.

J. Crew Corduroy Pants

wool cardigan by Marsh Landing, shirt from Brooks Brothers, pants from J. Crew, Calvin Klein belt, boots by Aquatalia, OPI Who Are You Wearing? nail polish

This outfit includes two things I have been wanting for a little while: colored corduroy pants and a new belt. My faith in online shopping is a little scarred lately, so when I went to the mall and was actually trying things on, I was not disappointed. These bootcut cords are cheaper in-store, and I didn't have to pay shipping. And I was able to bet this amazing belt (I bought it in black too) in the right size. **sigh** I love Calvin Klein!

I found the J. Crew cords to run a little small, so I sized up. The store had a "short" length, so it is perfect with low heels and boots, like these. And I love the color!