Comfy Pieces

Do you have a go-to piece that pulls everything together on your "off" days?  A piece that helps give your confidence boost without taking you out of your comfort[able] zone so you can have it all?

On days when I'm feeling "meh", I reach for my blazer.  Even when I decidedly go through in the same oversize t-shirt I fell asleep in, baggy jeans and a lackluster dunwanna attitude, a blazer keep everything looking sharp.  On days when confidence hasn't quite peaked and you're underwater, a blazer helps take it up a notch.  

Blazers are also highly versatile: you can pair it with t-shirt and jeans or a glamorous mini.  I personally love the androgynous look -- I'm not sure what it is, but something about menswear takes the vulnerability out of being a girlie-girl and makes you feel like a bull.

Top row:  Blazer with pants

Second row:  Blazer with skirts

 

 

(A scarf was my close 2nd... 'cause I can hide behind it all day.)

What's your go-to pick-me-up piece? 

Interview Faux-Pas

In the mornings, I like to sit down with a hot cup of coffee and read up on all the news (celebrity or business) of the day.  This morning, I particularly enjoyed reading an article on the 50 Worst of the Worst (and Most Common) Job Interview Mistakes.  The list consists of obvious mistakes ("arriving late" or "bringing your mother or friend" - huh?) and some interesting tips ("Taking a seat before your interviewer does." Really?).  The list also included some advice on being appropriately dressed and presentable for your job.  I thought I'd share them here:

• Lighting up a cigarette, or smelling like a cigarette.
• Wearing the wrong (for this workplace!) clothes.
• Wearing a ton of perfume or aftershave.
• Wearing sunglasses.
• Wearing a Bluetooth earpiece.
  This list was cherry picked by me from Karen Burns' original list.

A few other faux-pas I'd include:

For women,

• If you're wearing a skirt, make sure the skirt isn't too short or too long (though too short is definitely the worse mistake of the two).  Ideally, the skirt should hit within one inch above or below your knees.  You have two inches of wiggle room, that's it.
• If you wear make-up make sure you keep it to a neutral palate so your "look" doesn't overshadow your credentials.
• Wear appropriate shoes with your clothes, whether they're heeled or flat, make sure they're comfortable.  We can never feel our best or be our most confident when our feet are aching.
• Keep jewelry to a minimum.

For men,

• Be sure you trim your facial hair.  If bearded, make sure it's neatly groomed.  If 'stached, what are you thinking?!  The 70s are over, get rid of it!... general faux-pas of the century whether at work or not.
• Make sure your hair is neatly groomed/brushed/combed/gel'ed/sprayed... but most importantly, washed.
• Wear appropriate footware.  If you're in a suit, don't pair them with sneakers unless you're interviewing with an extremely trendy or design forward workplace (and you must have personally surveyed the workplace and know for certain this is acceptable).
• A general rule:  when wearing a suit or slacks with dress shoes, wear dark colored socks (either black, navy or brown/tan).  No whites.

What about you?  What do you keep in mind when interviewing for a new role?

Liberty of London

I am absolutely in love with the delightful floral collection by Liberty of London for Target!

The hundred year-old British brand is known for their floral prints and hits Target stores this Sunday. I am pining over their home collection - guess what I'll be up to tomorrow?

Saving for a raining day?  Brighten up your savings with these sunny piggie banks:

 

Everything is bound to turn out sweet in these deliciously good looking bowls and mugs - yum!

 

I adore these pillows, but unfortunately, they're sold out online (fingers crossed not in stores?). 
Front and back of pillow - just exquisite!

 

Along the lines of floral bedding...

 

Finally, watering cans and gloves to help you stay inspired and motivated when nurturing your own spring greens!

 

Gilt's Wedding Weekend

This weekend, Gilt and Martha Stewart are throwing a wedding weekend where you can find everything from wedding dresses to bridal beauty to honeymoon packages on sale for up to 70% off!

Although I'm not a bride (who cares! I'm still a girl!), I loved looking through everything Gilt had to offer.

My favorite gowns below:

Gooorgeous Carolina Herrera gown. 

It's the perfect blend of elegance, vintage and exquisite style.

 

Angel Sanchez gown. 

A fusion of contemporary drama in a versatile silhouette.

 

I also adore this clutch!

 

Any lucky brides out there?  Don't miss out on Gilt's wedding weekend!

Lady Gaga & Beyonce's Telephone Premiere

Discuss.

We'll discuss all the great movie and fashion nuggets in the next post.   

JCrew Sale

From now until March 12th, you can save an extra 30% off the J.Crew final sale (no returns, no exchanges).  Use code EXTRA30 at checkout and you get free shipping on orders over $150!

It always takes me forever to finalize my order with their no return/exchange policy, but the 30% off makes it worth it (it's the best discount J.Crew offers on sale items). 

Couple of favorites I picked up tonight:

 

left:  tulle blossom art tee / right:  boyfriend beach cardigan 

There were so many cute blouses and jackets, but few left in my size.
I also picked up some work sweaters and a couple shirts and sweaters for the birthday boy!