Spring Dilemma

black cardigan from J. Crew, winter white pants by Kenneth Cole, patent black flats by Loeffler Randall, Essence What Do U Think? nail polish

All my spring and summer clothes are locked up in trunks in the attic, and it's going to be close to 80 degrees today, but in the 50s later on in the week. It's a spring dilemma: trying to dress for the season without overheating! So I can't go wrong with black, white, and spring-orange nails.

Praying For Japan

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:18

Hello my friends, I am honoring today's Blogger Day of Silence in honor of Japan, her residents, and all those who are helping and praying. Please do what you can to help.

Lime Green for St. Patrick's Day

lime green vest from Jones New York, Inglot lime green nails, grey pants from LOFT, white burnout shirt from J. Crew, Stuart Weitzman grey embroidered flats

I'm not Irish, but I'm in the spirit today! Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Welcoming Spring with Bright Colors

tomato red button-up shirt from Timeless Authentic Garments (St. Louis), metallic brown skirt by Paul and Joe, belt by TreVero, Franco Sarto almond pumps

After getting five inches of snow on Monday, today it will be 65 degrees and tomorrow will be 75 degrees. Back to shorter skirts and lightweight fabrics! I am also wearing neon lime green nail polish, but more on that tomorrow. Welcome sun!

My Pants Are Unphotogenic

orange jacket and brown pants by Jones New York Signature, brown ruffle shirt by BCX, Calvin Klein belt, Inglot neon green nail polish

Even if it was sunny and warm out today, these corduroy pants would not show up well in the photo. Check out previous posts here and here. They are my black hole pants: they absorb light. Even though they are brown.

My Top 4 Workwear Brands

Hello my friends! I wanted to share with you my go-to brands for office life. These are what I always look for, the best quality I can afford. I wish I could say Theory, DVF, or Thomas Pink, but I simply don't have that kind of budget!

1. BCBGMaxAzria
You can always expect pieces that are office-appropriate while still feeling young and modern. On-trend colors, some girly details, in fabrics that are sturdy.

2. Calvin Klein
I'm not talking the Collection or anything! I'm talking the CK that you can get at Macy's and at outlets. I am a true minimalist, and their plain button-up shirts, straight-leg pants, flattering work dresses, and even their footwear appeals to the graphic designer in me.

3. Jones New York
This is my workwear secret: JNY sweaters, skirts, jackets, and pants. This stuff is inexpensive, often found on sale, and lasts forever. It goes with everything in my closet. The best quality for amazing prices!

4. Nine West
When I first moved to Chicago, I was awed by Nine West shoes. Many uncomfortable pairs later, I have given up on the brand for footwear. Sure, the shoes are trendy, but bloody feet are not. However, the clothing is an entirely different animal: comfortable, fashionable, and easy-to-wear fabrics. Love wearing Nine West to the office.

Really, quality is key with me. I want a few clothes that will last forever, not lots of clothes that last two years. This standard rules out cheap, shoddy brands like The Gap.

But share with me your go-to brands, I would love to hear them!

A Salmon Spring Coat

This is my spring coat, which my husband calls my salmon-colored coat. I got it three years ago at Ann Taylor, and it is so cheery and flattering on. I love a good structured coat!