They've done it again - LOFT jewelry

This summer I was really impressed by the jewelry at Ann Taylor LOFT and wanted almost everything they had.  This fall, they did it again.  Their jewelry designer must be thinking of me when she puts the collection together.  I've got a 20% coupon just waiting for one of these pieces... if I could only choose.

So far the first necklace on the second row is in the lead.  

Update:  Use promo code FRIENDS when you check out and get 30% off for the LOFT Friends & Family event!  Now I'm definitely getting a necklace...

All pink, all on sale

I'm in a fancy mood right now as I watch The Little Couple on DVR and read blogs (glamorous evening, I know).  I want to wear pink tomorrow and be girly.  And because I got no less than four sale/free shipping emails today, I started checking out my usual stores and found tons of cute, girly clothes on sale. 

I've made you a collage of my favorites, all of which are marked down.

The dresses and color block tank are from LOFT.
The coral cardigan, pink shell and gingham shirt are from Lands End Canvas
The skirt is from Gap

Then I started looking at jewelry and found these pieces (all under $20) to add some girliness to a neutral outfit

All jewelry from Shop the Look or Forever 21

The perfect cardigan for $39.50

I often get asked how I came up with the name for this blog.   I actually didn't make up the phrase myself, but was called a Cardigan Junkie by my favorite sales guy at Martin & Osa since I bought so many of them in 2009.  It's true that I wear cardigans all the time, with almost everything.  They're the perfect layer for me since I get cold in the air conditioning all summer and don't like wearing thick layers the rest of the year.  Now that M&O is closing up shop, I realized I should point you all towards another line of perfect cardigans.

Lucky for us, there's LOFT and their line of v-neck cardigans.  I have personally road tested these and can vouch for the fact they they're soft, not too thick, and hold up in the washer and dryer.  The price is $39.50 and right now they're only offered online, but you'll see a new collection of colors each season and lots of opportunities to take 20% off your purchase.  (Sale items are an extra 50% right now, FYI)

LOFT V-Neck Cardigan

For those who don't look forward to swimsuit season

I've been swimming about 5 times in the past 2 years.  Most of the reason is I no longer have access to an apartment pool, but the other part is me hating to be in a swimsuit.  I know I'm no cow, and downright average actually, but I revert back to 17 year old me when it comes time to climb out of the pool and into a lawn chair.

That means I need a good, stylish cover-up.  Here are a few options I like that are also somewhat practical and can be thrown in the wash after they've been soaked in pool water:


Lands End Printed Cotton Lawn Coverup
I like the loose tunic shape of this top, but you'll need to be careful not to wrinkle this fabric or you'll look like you took a nap in it.

Lands End Sleeveless Jersey Coverup Dress
The jersey material means you can throw this in your bag without worrying, and the shape means you can wear it to go get more beer.

Old Navy Cross Front Cabana Dress
The super low neckline on this dress means most women can't (or shouldn't) wear it around town, but it will be just fine over a swimsuit.

Old Navy Hooded Cover-up Dress
I'm not in love with the hood on this dress, but I like the shape and the price.

Gap Empire Dress
This is actually intended to be a regular dress, but I think the cut and cotton fabric make it more appropriate for the pool.

LOFT V-Neck Empire Dress
This is a little much for a cover-up ($49) but it's so versatile and you could definitely wear it to dinner and as a base layer under a cardigan.

LOFT Strapless Dress
This is another versatile top layer that could be worth $49 since you can wear it beyond the pool

If you like LOFT... 30% off sale items plus $29.50 denim

If you live near an Ann Taylor LOFT store, you need to head over there as soon as possible this weekend.  They're offering an additional 30% off sale items (which allowed me to get some awesome sandals for $17!) and most of their denim will be $29.50.

There are lots of cute, versatile, pieces on sale right now including many of the tanks I posted yesterday.  If you're looking for work clothes, most of their cardigans and dressy knits are under $30 with the discount. 

Happy Shopping!

If only these didn't need to be washed...

I will admit that along with being lazy with makeup, I'm also lazy with laundry.  I don't mean to, but I've been known to throw a dry clean only shirt into the wash and forget to put fancy tops into lingerie bags.  That means that I am not allowed to have any of the shirts below, as cute and versatile as I think they are.  They can go to work under a blazer, to dinner with dark jeans, and to Target on Saturday with a cute pair of shorts.

If you're more responsible than me, you should check out the tanks below:

Old Navy Seed Beaded Tank

Old Navy Metallic Embellished Rib Knit Tank

Fossil Hannah Sequined Tank

Ann Taylor LOFT Beaded Applique Tank

Ann Taylor Loft Floral Beaded Tank

Ann Taylor LOFT Embellished Cotton Silk Shell

The Limited Zipper Flower Halter

The Limited Wooden Front Halter Top

Work Wardrobe 101

This week I got two very similar requests about building a business casual work wardrobe that conveys capability and sophistication.  The first was from Kelly, who needs a wardrobe that will take her through a year of pharmacy school rotations in all kinds of weather (she lives in Maryland).  She needs to look like she's in a position to offer medical advice, but still be herself and not try to look older than she is.  The second request is from Ashley, who already has staple pieces from her five years of working full time, but wants to work in some new items that will impress her new boss in a conservative office.

Rather than write two similar posts this week, or make one of them wait a while, I'm going to first go through ideas for basics for Kelly and then tomorrow I will add in some more items for people like Ashley who want more options.

The Basics
When you're just starting out, you need to identify what kind of items will get the most mileage and invest in good fit and quality.  Until you've got the money for items you'll wear occasionally, stick to neutral colors for your pants and skirts.  In a conservative setting, black and gray trousers will always be appropriate.  When you're first starting out, you can wear them on alternate days during the week and then wash both on the weekend.  Once you get a few paychecks under your belt, you can branch out and add a pair of camel colored trousers (it's dressier than light khaki) and a nice black pencil skirt (or A-line if it suits you better). 

You're going to see a lot of $80-90 options, but if you watch for markdowns you should be able to get  well-made pants and skirts for around $50-60.  Look for thick, sturdy  fabric and a hem that is more than barely attached.  In my experience, trousers from The Limited hold up very well.  The wider-leg styles are universally flattering and look nice with a low heel.  Right now, The Limited is offering a buy one, get one half off special on their pants so I would take advantage (don't forget they offer free hemming!). 

Cassidy Wrap Waistband Fit & Flare
Exact Stretch Classic Flare Pant

To break things up a bit, you should add a flattering skirt into the mix.  I think black and khaki would both get a lot of wear year round. I'm not a huge fan of the high waisted skirts unless you're tall, and prefer a wide waistband like the one below.  Again, go for thick fabric that isn't going to show every line and curve you have. 

 The Limited Sunbeam Pencil Skirt
Gap New Pencil Skirt

Once you've got your pants and skirts in hand, you'll need to find tops that work for more than one season (and preferably all of them).   I'm a big fan of the 3/4 sleeve button down shirt.  You can wear it year round and layer under knits to keep from looking like a banker.  And of course, long sleeve button downs will always work when you want to look business-like (and you can roll the sleeves when you don't).  I think you need white (of course), black, blue, and at least one more fun color.  If you can only buy a couple at first, go with black and a fun color.


Banana Republic Elbow Sleeve Stretch Skirt
Lands End Canvas Heritage Poplin Shirt
The Limited Multi Button Classic Shirt

At this point, you will have about two weeks of outfits just by combining your 2 pairs of trousers and 2 skirts with your 4 shirts (just avoid the black pants/shirt look).  Now, you get to work in some knitwear for even more options.  As I said in my clothes for mom post, the timeless v-neck sweaters from The Limited are the best affordable knit I've found in a while.  These can be worn alone or over one of your 3/4 sleeve button down shirts. And don't be afraid of a saturated color in the office - as long as the silhouette is conservative you'll be fine.

Of course, I wouldn't be me if I didn't recommend a cardigan or two.   A black cardigan can dress up even a plain white tank top, and a jewel tone option will get lots of wear with your neutral pants and skirts.  However, for a conservative office, make sure you can button your cardigan without any gaping and stay away from the long, slouchy styles.  These sweaters can be worn over tank tops (get black and white, non-ribbed) or your 3/4 sleeve button downs. 


Lands End Canvas Heritage Cardigan
Ann Taylor LOFT V-Neck Cardigan
The Limited Timeless Vee

At this point, you've got at least 3 weeks of outfits by combining your button downs and knits with the neutral bottoms.   You can slowly acquire more tops (short sleeve button downs and sknits) and additional colors of trousers or skirts, but you'll have enough options that people won't start to notice repeating outfits.  Everything above can be worn pretty much year round since most offices are a steady 72 degrees whether it's snowing or not.

For shoes, I think you need to buy once and wear them for a long time.  I've never had good luck with bargain pairs from Payless or Target, and am now a firm believer in well made shoes.  You have one set of feet, and blisters make you grouchy.  You'll need a great pair of black pumps in the 2.5 inch range if you'll be doing lots of walking.   Then, add a similar pair in brown to wear with your khaki and brown bottoms.  Don't go too sexy with patent leather and toe cleavage, but there's no need to look like an old woman.  Then, invest in a nice pair of knee-high boots when you can afford them.  Don't go PVC... there's too much of it on a boot and it won't look as good.

Nine West Nuncio Pump
Nine West Quilliam Pump
Rockport Pierce Place Boot

That covers work wear basics - you should be well on your way to taking over the hospital or board room without spending a fortune.   If you have any other suggestions, let everyone know in comments.  Tomorrow I'll cover how to jazz things up if you've already got basics but want more variety.

Beyond Mom jeans

My friend Lynsey (The Sassy Southerner) has asked for help revamping her stay at home wardrobe.  She says:

I have three (young) kids and haven't gotten out much, so just about all I have in my closet are jeans, shorts, sweats, and t-shirts. As my oldest daughter is in school now, I need ideas for casual, comfortable outfits that don't scream "I am a stay at home mom", but I don't need a corporate wardrobe, either, as that is impractical for my current lifestyle.  Oh, and I don't want "mom jeans" either!!

Given that Ms. Lynsey was plenty stylish during our days at Texas A&M, I think she'll be just fine with a few new basics.   Here is my criteria for the stylish mom wardrobe:

• Wash and wear clothes that require little ironing and no dry cleaning
• You can bend over and pick up a small child in every outfit
• Outfits are easy to put together, but still look like you chose them and didn't just throw something on
• Nice enough to chat with your daughter's teacher without wishing you wore something else

For tops, I chose casual pieces that can be layered and paired with jewelry to get a lot of wear.  I think that everyone needs a selection of solid tees and tanks that can be paired with a big necklace when you're in a hurry or layered under cardigans when it gets cooler.  Don't be afraid of colors or tone-on-tone pattern, but be sure you've got a black, white and navy top in the mix.


Old Navy Crochet Hem V-Neck Tee - $19.50
Lands End Canvas Pleat Front Tank - $24.50
Lands End Canvas Rib Tank Top - $14.50
Lands End Canvas Heritage Crewneck Tee - $14.50
The Limited Knot Collar Tank - $24.99
Down East Basics Empress Top - $26.99

Next, you need to have a few of these Timeless Vee sweaters from The Limited in your closet.  The range of colors is great, the material isn't too thick for spring time in Texas (or anywhere else for that matter) and you can wear them with tailored shorts, dark jeans, dress pants or skirts.  Plus, they can go in the dryer and still come out without pilling or shrinking.  It's like wearing a t-shirt, just a little more polished. (And only $19.99!)

And of course, you'll need a couple of cardigans.  I recommend black, blue and at least one jewel tone.  Ann Taylor LOFT has great options for under $40 and they hold up well in the washer and dryer.

For bottoms, make sure your jeans have a uniform dark wash (you all know I recommend Gap's Long & Lean jeans) and then find a knee length denim pencil skirt to work into the rotation along with some dark khaki/brown, gray and black knee length shorts, which are more flattering than you may think. (If I can wear them, so can you!)  You can mix and match pretty much any of the items above with dark jeans or the bottoms below.  When it gets cold, substitute the long shorts for cotton trousers in the same neutral colors.  Just beware of the cargo and yoga pant...

Down East Basics Hot to Trot Skirt - $44.99 
Old Navy Perfect Khaki Bermudas - $24.50
Lands End Canvas Womens Boot Cut Chinos - $39.50

Finally, I think the most important part of looking pulled together and not too casual is the accessories.  Even the most basic pair of khaki shorts and navy tee shirt becomes a cute outfit when you add the large turquoise necklace.  You should also consider a long, chunky silver necklace and another in gold tones.  Grab cuff bracelets and fun earrings as well.

Hopefully this has been helpful and will help Lynsey navigate through a busy spring and summer looking like the stylish mom that she is.  If you'd like some help picking an outfit (or a new wardrobe) let me know and I'll give it a shot!