Dressing for 3 More Months of Winter

I've been accused of being that kid that was already anticipating the end of summer vacation in June. I'd be lying if I completely denied it... So I was already thinking about the dull period that comes post New Year's, where the weather is colder and there's no major holidays for a while. Planning weekend trips and finding different pieces for my wardrobe to jazz up the days are how I get through them. Here are some ideas on the latter:

-Try different nail polish colors for the office: having one nail a different color than the rest is a current trend. While I think it's generally a no-no for the office, the right color combo that's a shade darker or lighter could work. Here's one I tried that I think does and it's prettier in person:

Essie 'Carry On' and 'Leading Lady'

-Experiment with different tights in color and pattern. Wolford is having a sale! Recall our post from earlier this year on the topic. 

- Skip winter and peruse the upcoming spring clothing... I've already found a warmer weather obsession to save for from RED Valentino:

The shoes are so pretty too!

So Parisian and pretty... Ooh, Paris in the Spring sounds like a great idea. 

Adopting Holiday Spirit

Some years can feel super holiday - where you've had ample time to think about it, have fun parties and get-together's planned and generally happy to hear Christmas songs when walking in to a crowded Gap. Other years, the holiday period seems to have snuck up on you. All of sudden there are small white lights everywhere, your getting cards from people and charities in your mailbox and all you can think is, wasn't it just August?

This year I am in the latter camp. But instead of maintaining a deer in headlights stance, I've decided to combat it head on. I will get in the holiday mood! I will not be annoyed by the music and the crowds and the forced office party! Here is my 5 step action plan:

• Buy a Christmas tree. I will withstand the pine needle mess and soak in the natural pine fragrance like an aromatherapy treatment.
• Ignore the Scrooge in me and organize my calendar, RSVPing yes to most holiday invitations.
• Buy a great day to night dress for the office party and actually dress it up after 6pm: 

Click here for sources.

Some other options here at refinery29.


• Be a secret santa and give to charity - with all the people in need right here in NYC, this is easy.
• Write out my blessings this year. Everyday includes a running list of all things I still need to do or all the things I wish I had (time, money). My soul will be reminded of all the things I am blessed with!

I'll let you know how it goes...

Change From the Outside In

If you've ever experienced a loss of something or someone profound, you might identify with my current desire for physical change. The magnitude of change I seek is often directly correlated to the depth of emotional impact a loss carries for me. After a big breakup a few years ago, I adopted a weekend rocker style with leather jackets, ripped t-shirts and skinny jeans. Today, I've been thinking about dying my hair from blonde to red. Pretty significant. 

Thinking Emma Stone like red.

BUT, can a drastic change to your appearance impact your career? I've always believed if one buys a new well-fitting outfit or gets better glasses, this positive change can have a positive impact on their attitude and thus their career. But what if its just a change for the sake of it? Would I be perceived as going off the deep end or unfit for client work? No one will actually tell you that if they do. Doing some research online on the topic resulted in general consensus that as long as the change is natural looking enough, it doesn't matter too much. I'll soon find out.

How does the redheaded me dress? Still thinking about that but so far, a new coat from Helmut Lang for the new me: light colored to highlight the new hair, casual when worn open but formal when closed, with edgy leather sleeves:

Post Sandy: Putting the Office in Context

Life just never stops. Just when you think there are certain staples in your life, like electricity and public modes of transportation, Mother Nature reminds us all that nothing can be taken for granted.

After 2 days of downtown candlelight living,  I decided to go to work on Wednesday.  Since the office had electricity, it was a chance to reach friends and loved ones, charge my devices and go to my gym for a shower. Dressing for work in situations like these have limited rules. I went for comfort, a black skirt and sweater with flats, because I didn't know how I was going to get home. Plus, all client meetings were canceled and the firm was lucky to have staff in.

I got lucky with a cab in the morning and as I passed 39th street on the east side, the vibrancy of midtown smacked me in the face. It never lost power. People seemed to be living like the last few days were just a bit of rain - with nail salons full and restaurants busy. The difference in the city was indescribable.

The commute home was even stranger - a reminder of how close to the edge of chaos a city like New York and life can be. I caught a bus headed downtown only to learn that it would not be going below 23rd street given it was night fall. As we got below the demarcation line of electricity, the bus turned quiet, cell phones lost signals and everything got dark. My 25 block walk down 1st Avenue in the dark, on Halloween no less, was overwhelming. The only lights were from the few cars going by and the couple of pizza places and bars open by candlelight. An older gentleman in front of me literally walked in to some scaffolding because he couldn't see it. There were certainly a few times I sped up because I wasn't sure of the guy next to me on the street. My cellphone was only good as a light, so that I could let cars know I was crossing a street. You could feel the emotion in the air: a couple more days of this, and not everything would be so tame. All I could think was that if something happened to me, it would take some time for anyone to find me. The next day, after hearing this commuting story, my company got me a hotel room near the office.

Pic from the walk home

Yet, I am one of the lucky ones. A couple of days of no electricity, warm water or cell service is survivable. My neighborhood got power back on Friday night. And while many bodegas have hand written signs saying the food is spoiled and not for sale, things are almost back to normal. There are so many people with worse conditions that have no end in sight. My prayers are with these families and I've donated supplies to nearby shelters.

The worries of work, clients, annoying internal meetings and office politics all mean absolutely nothing when you lose everything, even if temporary.  Mother Nature steps in when you least expect it. I learned that... no, I've been reminded of that again in more ways than one this week, as a very personal tragedy coincided with this turn of events. You've got to take what's important - like a loving husband, a warm home, a beautiful child - and hold it close to you. The rest will be there.

The Best Holiday

With Halloween approaching, excitement abounds. Dressing up as someone else, being someone else even for a short period, is true pleasure (maybe I should have been an actress). The daily corporate routine only makes it that much sweeter. Costume choices for the last few years have been real people: Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, the maid who was sexually harassed by the head of the IMF... This year is still undecided. 

Inspiration from 2012 events include the tanning mom and Clint Eastwood with an empty chair. However, this year, with all the change in my personal life (and I mean big things... worthy of changing your health insurance outside of the annual enrollment period type life events) I am thinking of simpler alternatives to balance these big events. Maybe a sheet with a couple of holes?

Of course, my year wouldn't be complete without some acknowledgement to a character. So I found this fantastic dress at Zara to wear on 'All Hallow's Eve' Wednesday the 31st to the office. I like to think it's what Lara Croft may have worn if she had a corporate job by day. Structured with its paneling, modern with its leather sleeves. Edgy and sexy all at once. The price is right too.

Now, all I need is a long braid. Happy Halloween!

What's Up with All These Collars?

Just like in the 80's with plastic charm necklaces and big hair, and in the 90's hypercolor t-shirts, slap bracelets and plaid flannel shirts, this decade has had a number of fast trends already. We're not ashamed to say we love sporting the newest fad, but with age has come some maturity in wearing them. 

Unlike the days of spending all our savings on a new pair of Z.Cavaricci's, we spend more on the lasting items and look for lower priced versions of the fads. Right now, the collar is in focus and not just ones that are attached to shirts. You can find them studded up or even sold separately as a necklace (for a shirt or not). We featured a version of this in February of this year with Karl Lagerfeld's line and the idea has flourished in to mainstream.

We found this gold studded silk button down shirt at Zara and love it. And it's only $90! 

We've worn it buttoned to the very top, to emphasize the studs, with a demure shin length tan pleated wool skirt. It would also look great with black pleated trousers or an olive leather skirt (there are two great ones at Riess). 

On the weekend, wear it untucked with skinny jeans and heels.

So go for that next fad... Just not at the designer end of the spectrum.

Did You Mean Broke?

"No, I said Baroque. As in the style in art and architecture developed in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries.  It emphasized drama and elaborate ornamentation so the trend is extravagant and ornate".

"Ahh, now I get it... Doesn't sound like I can I wear that to the office though."

"You can, it just depends on your interpretation. For example, none of these would likely instill confidence at your next meeting with a potential investor:"

"Yeah, probably not, unless I was working at an 18th century circus... which sometimes i think I do. And I I don't know if I look all that good in that much gold and shine... Plus all the embellishment looks pricey."

"Yeah, it can be. There's an awesome McQueen dress and cute pointelle clutch from D&G with extra dollar signs. It's a trend... not a basic so no one should overdose on it in their closet anyway and go broke! BUT, you can work it in your closet and at the office in a couple of pieces. Take look at this little ensemble."

Click here to learn more about each piece.

"If you are feeling daring, you could wear a leather pencil skirt here instead of a plain one".

"Hmm, yeah I'll think about that one... This does look like the trend and I like it. Thanks lady!"

...An obviously very deep discussion on trends between Ludlow and a friend. We hope you enjoyed.

Word Association

What comes to our mind when we think of leather: 
-a luxurious fabric
-a topic of controversy
-often makes items more expensive than other fabrics
-Sandra D
-bikers
-popular in white on coaches in the 80's and
-can now be found as trim or the core of many ladies' fashions today. 

Does it pass the officewear test? YES. We tried it and it worked well. You just can't go overboard - the same for many other items when dressing (eg., too matchy matchy, too much jewelry, too many different colors etc.).

We paired this lovely reddish/burgundy leather skirt from Madewell wth a black silk top and black jacket. We toyed with the idea of a cream top but went the safer route for the first try.

Click Here to find out where all these pieces are from.

We kept the shoes low-key and low-heeled and added a traditional linked bracelet to contrast the other pieces.

Madewell also had a super cute leather dress in the same color - absolutely wearable with a black jacket to the office and both great for a work to cocktails/date look.

Flat Stomachs Need NOT Apply

If you've been reading our posts you know we really like pieces with peplum, especially for the office. This pretty, lady-like fashion trend has continued for fall '12 and so has our attraction to it....not to mention it's usefulness as a belly-hider. When it comes to the middle area, this is worry-free dressing.

We found this flattering heather grey cap sleeve dress, courtesy of Alice & Olivia. Stretchy without being too clingy, with a color that provides lots of options for whatever you choose to pair it with. Pick a bright color for a pop, like yellow, shown here, or one of the darker jewel tones when it's cooler and you have to wear tights. 

The metal zipper detail on the back adds a little edge.

Another easy office timesaver...and you don't have to go to the gym to rock it!

Yes, Burgundy is Everywhere

And we love it.  Like a new pop song, we may eventually get over it but for now, we can't get enough. Recent purchases in the color family include a great peter pan collared J.Crew sweater and this merlot colored shift from T by Alexander Wang (his lower priced line):

Edgy details within basic workwear is never lost on us. We were really attracted to the flattering and sexy but demure strips of netting on the side. Not noticeable when you have a jacket on (recommend black or grey), but very appropriate for after work drinks, dinner or date. See below..

Not just a basic work dress!

Testing Ideas for Fall

After a little summer hiatus (and much needed vacation - hope you got yours!), we are back and considering fall 2012. What will be in focus this year?

From our research, we made the following list:

• Burgundy
• Baroque (excuse me?)
• Leather
• Peplum (continuing from last year)
• Menswear (it seems every year there is some form of this)
• Polka dots
• Brightly patterned pencil skirts
• Gold accents
• Winter white anything
• Plaid

For us, perhaps the better questions are; what will be wearable at work? how can this be incorporated in to my current wardrobe without buying a whole new one? what exactly is baroque?

To start, we tried something a little different. Combining burgundy, gold accents and the 'baroque' trends, we got a french manicure with a twist, as recently seen in a magazine and on the runways. We're not sure this will fit in our conservative office, but we're going to test it out.

We used Essie's 'bold & beautiful' with their 'good as gold' on the tips.

What do you think? We love it!

A Confession and a Gorgeous Pair of Black Pumps

A confession from Ludlow to her budget:
Forgive me budget, for I have sinned. It has been 2 months since my last confession (pretty good, no?). I recently splurged on a pair of black Louboutins.. and while I was originally going for a basic pair of pumps for work, I couldn't help but acquire these.

Yes, I am a shoe whore. I collect them, admire them from afar and up close too. I never tire of them. But, I adhere to one rule: if I am going to splurge, they need to be the coolest, most unique version of themselves. It's true, one can argue that basics are where one can justify spending more given the higher probability of overall use per pair.

But I argue that you can find a basic shoe anywhere, and spending more should only be for the special items. 

I love the cutout on the inside of the shoe, 
I love that they are shiny but not patent leather and of course, 
I love the flare of red that will peek out with my conservative black suits and dresses. After all, I can't not be me completely.

Fear not budget, as I will suffer for my sin. They are high in height and pointed in toe. I will carry them in their little red bag while walking in flats, and change in to them only when securely at my desk.

Wear it now, Wear it later

We've found some really great pieces for work lately that are built for fall but with some tweaking, can be worn now in warmer weather and later, when temperatures are lower. It's a great way to stretch your clothing budget (if only we were so structured that we actually mapped out a budget!).

3.1 Phillip Lim, Phillip Lim's lower priced line, has some really great pre-fall and fall numbers. We grabbed this timesaver option that's perfect for cooler weather: a navy ponte peplum long sleeve top and matching pencil skirt (on the right below). It's stretchy and so comfortable. 

On the left, we've taken the top out of the equation to wear the skirt now. Roll up the button down's sleeves, add a belt and you have a summer work outfit. 

For info on where to find each piece, click here.

Fall on the Horizon

It's hard to even think about fall when it's so damn hot and humid outside. All you can really think about is; how long do I have to be out of the A/C before I can go back in? 


However, coming off the back of a weekend research shopping trip, the stores are starting to fill up with clothing for cooler weather from 'pre-fall 2012' collections. Comfy greys, deep burgundies, emerald greens and mustard yellows are everywhere. Refreshingly, bold bright prints are also a trend for fall... which means some of the items you wear today can be converted as temperatures cool down. More on that later.

Inevitably, each research trip we do, we find an obsession... and of course its usually something out of budget. We can't stop thinking about it, partly because we shouldn't buy it and partly because it's so beautiful. This season, it's a colorful and bright work-appropriate dress made by environmentally aware designer Stella McCartney.  


Behold... 
worn with some simple black pumps and small gold earrings, hair up... lovely.

Give us a second to wipe the drool... Maybe I could put it on a credit card and pay it back over time?

Power Trousers

Printed trousers seem to be on racks in every store. We love how light and airy they are - particularly for those hot summer days you don't feel like shaving your legs before work (wink).

They are a great way to spice up your wardrobe too, but make sure you style them to stand out for themselves and the print doesn't stand out more than you!

These are a great option from Zara, shown styled for work with a navy cotton jacket. We purposely chose a jacket that matched the darkest of colors in the trousers and was on the shorter side given the wider legs.

Here's how we styled for play too. We took off the jacket and added a vintage gold belt - easily done when your day is too (or on the weekend).

A Side Note: Clothing from Zara is highlighted often in this blog. They really do carry great stuff for the trendy parts of your wardrobe and well within most budgets. But a caveat: be careful regarding 1) quality: the fabric can be cheap and not wash well, and 2) sizing: I often have to take a size up. 
So be discerning and if you can swing it, take the pieces you like from there home. Ensure it fits rights and can blend with what you already have, particularly because the dressing rooms usually have a long line. If it doesn't work, there return policy is pretty generous at one month.

Looking like you splurged for work

We came across this perfect example of looking like you spent a few thousand dollars on your clothes for work without actually doing it. 

The keys to this example:

- lovely neutral color palette, 

- a vintage piece (the blouse is her friend's grandmother's), 

- the skirt and bag are basics from commercial brands like Anne Klein (=cost savings)

Notice the booties (Calvin Klein, so the mixed-in expensive piece) have a cutout, elongating the leg, just like we featured last fall. 

You're bound to get the question "Love that, where did you get it?". Whether you want to reveal the secret is entirely up to you.

What Not Not to Wear

...or said another way, what TO wear. While perusing the WSJ series "Work Wear" again, we came across a well put together lady and some sage advice. We thought it worthy to share both.


From lady of style Rachel Roy to women dressing for work, we couldn't have said it better ourselves: "Dress for the job you'd like to have, not for the job you currently have. Dress for the story that you'd like to have people know about you before you even open your mouth. And dress so that your taste level comes across, because people with impeccable taste also have impeccable intelligence."


Loving her outfit too. If you can't wear sandals to your office, black pumps are an easy replacements.

All items from, of course, Rachel Roy, except that necklace. That's Givenchy.

Preppy and Proud

If you've ever spent time in Nantucket, you may have heard of a local watering hole called the Chicken Box. What Ludlow saw there, as her first experience on this quaint island, is forever burned in her brain. Every single man in the bar, except maybe the large bouncer, must have received a text earlier in the day: 
'dudes: chicken box, 10pm, pink or blue shirts and khakis or seersuckers, no exceptions. cya there' 
Her jaw hung low as she looked around in awe at the homogeneous sausage party. How does one tell any of these guys apart? 


She did eventually find an appreciation for the preppy look and how to work the vibrant prints, and stripes that come with it. So while we'll probably never be huge Lily Pulitzer fans, the prep in us wants to work this look at the office. Drawing inspiration from Ludlow's most recent weekend trip to the island, here's how we like to rock the preppy look at work:

The classic seersucker jacket is styled with a popped collar and rolled sleeves to make it a bit more modern. (The piece is old, but similar can be found here (at Brooks Brothers).) The trousers we've showed you before - solid J.Crew pleated ankle length. Perfect for summer and stretchy for your off days. (Similar here)

We added gold accessories and shoes, but you could easily do a bright pink shoe for  an extra preppy take. 


So prep it up at the office on a Friday before you head out for "the Tuck" and you'll fit right in starting from the plane ride. We hear Rusted Root is playing at the Chicken Box at the end of July. 

You're As Cold As Ice...

...You're willing to sacrifice"..style? No way! 

Sure, when I first get in to the office on a hot summer day, the cool corporate air is a welcome relief. But by the time I've settled in to my desk and begun my day, which usually entails very low levels of physical activity, I am on my way to freezetown. Hello goosebumps. 

If you are a hotblooded chick that reaches a sheen easily, then read no further. I envy you (particularly in the dead of winter).

But, if you are like me (and you could conceivably find a chill in the desert), here are ways to manage around the cold office during hot summer days: 

Blazer: May be obvious but a good blazer can make a trash bag dress from Project Runway look structured. Keep a black or white cotton one at the office for warmth, and that client meeting you didn't know you would have. Then leave it behind before heading to dinner or drinks for the evening.

Loving this linen blazer from Loft. The modern cut with no lapel means it should work with everything and the pushed up sleeves is a nice effect.

 

Structured Cardigan: somewhere in between a basic cardigan and a blazer... The most versatile thing you can own (ok, one of).

Zara has a number of these to choose from and all are reasonably priced. This one is cozy and neutral enough to match with almost anything.

Scarf: Well, not the one your grandma knitted. Think a thin cashmere or cotton/silk mix.

Like this one from ASOS.

Of course, these aren't mutually exclusive so layer up if it feels right.

Big props to Foreigner circa 1977.

She's Shifty

......she's just my type! 

(a little sidebar tribute to the beastie boys, may Adam "MCA" Yauch rest in peace)

Something easily forgotten these days is that fashion is not only a product of creativity, but also of function and social change. Bet you didn't know (or probably ponder) that bermuda shorts came in to existence because of a shortage of clothing during World War II in Bermuda!

A historical and functional fashion reference for women is the shift dress. In 1920, women in the US earned the right to vote, equally to men. Women were empowered to break social norms and flappers started wearing shift dresses. They found them comfortable, easy to dance in and a rebellion against the cinched waists that had been in style in the previous decades. Shift dresses were also popular during the mod fashion era of the 60's - arguably another decade of social change.

We love what they represent!

The chic French brand Sandro has an amazing shift dress for this summer, complete with pockets and fun color (and their sale is going on now!). It's a classic piece, flattering for every shape and for any part of your life, including the office:

(The shoes are Louboutin Summer '11)

Plus it has a bow detail in the back that we went crazy for:

So celebrate the shift dress for the freedom it symbolizes - after all it was created so we could dance to the Beastie Boys if we wanted to!