Rock Shic

#263 In the Spirit of the Holidays

Top: Charlotte Taylor | Skirt: Boutique from Lower East Side | Faux fur stole: Nine West | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff similar (from Lucky Shops NY) | Boots: Zara | Sunglasses: Armani | Collar Necklace: Patricia Field | Earrings: Gift from Aruba     

Happy Saturday!  It’s hard to believe that we have literally three days to go before Christmas.  I say this, as it literally means limited time to get ourselves sorted for our first-ever Christmas luncheon for the “orphans” (aka Manhattanites who have not left the city… much like ourselves).

Though I am excited – in more ways than one!  These photos were taken by the lovely and talented Logan Lee Lamson, writer, creative spirit, filmmaker, and super sweetheart. 

For the occasion, I wanted to do something decadent yet still fresh and young – so I picked this fantastically whimsical, gramophone top by Charlotte Taylor, also a product of my recent collaboration with the Young British Designers.  This fur stole (faux of course!) I’ve had for ages, sine 2004!! My boyfriend at the time had criticized it for being “too over the top.” But what did he know about fashion anyways? (Isn’t that precisely why he’s been relegated to the “ex” category? Ha).  Last but not least, the skirt I donned happens to be one of my favorite A-line pieces, hand-made by a designer in the Lower East Side (whose name sadly escapes me).  The fit is fabulous and super flattering (I wouldn’t recommend jogging in it though!), and very reminiscent of the glamour and appeal of the “Mad Men” era.  

One thing is for sure, nothing exudes more power and confidence than this combo right here!

All photos by Logan Lee Lamson

#260 Combos for any and every day

Dress: MASC by Young British Designers | Jacket: Helmut Lang | Necklace: Redeem (DC) | Sunglasses: Dior | Boots: Rachel Comey

Anyone who knows me knows that I love to rock a pretty frock – be it for work or on the weekend.  It just so happens that this lovely maroon-colored dress, courtesy of Young British Designers, is versatile for both occasions.  I wore it first for a kick-off all-day planning session at the office, where I garnered plenty of compliments (blush), and then again on a weekend outing with a girlfriend, who expertly snapped some photos while we twirled in the park. 

I love the overall effects of the dress, which is instantly slimming and tremendously flattering (the paneling and pleating in the front does wonders to hide any tummy flaws, I swear!).  The unexpected wine color also lends a refreshing air of sophistication to the entire look, making it the modern-day LBD, if you will.  As for the blazer?  Well, it’s one of my new go-to-pieces which you’ll find me in all season long.  Basically, whenever I want to feel pulled together, I turn to this trusty Helmut Lang jacket with leather paneling. Really, you can’t go wrong… I give presentations in this, as it makes me feel empowered! Roar.  

Related articles

#254 Beauty After Dark

#210 Dress for Success

Dress: Theory | Jacket: Elie Tahari (last seen here) | Shoes: Incogneeto Vintage (Somerville, NJ) | Earrings: House of Harlow | Necklace: Banana Republic | Clutch: Ann Taylor | Sunglasses: Armani | Ring and bracelets: wedding gift

While in Boston, I was invited to be the guest speaker at a career panel back at my alma mater.  While I don’t always embrace the suit-and-jacket look (my personal preference is to mix and match bespoke pieces for the office), I did believe that I needed to look every bit the part for my panel presentation.  That is to say, I wanted to bring forth the image of the confident and in-charge career woman.  

A tailored jacket and well-fitted A-Line dress is my signature go-to-style for the office.  I like to convey power, but at the same time feel feminine and pretty (which likely explains my general penchant for dresses over slacks!). 

Here, I brought a little bit of New York to Boston… with my monochromatic color scheme.  The punch that I wanted to convey rested in the smaller accents (i.e., the leather detailing of the dress, the whimsical touches of my vintage shoes (I love them!!), topped off with some statement accessories).  In dress, as it is in life, you seize your opportunities for individualism where you can get them! 

Related articles

#260 Combos for any and every day

#209 Beacon Hill Sophistication

Dress: Nicole Miller | Boots: Betsey Johnson | Glasses: Derek Cardigan 7013 Dark Fade by Coastal Eyewear c/o | Necklace: From Buenos Aires | Clutch: Cole Haan | Earrings: Ronni Kappos Jewelry Design 

As luck would have it, I spent part of my last day in Boston in Beacon Hill, one of my favorite spots in the city.  An old boyfriend from college used to live on Mount Vernon street, so this is a part of town that I am actually familiar with, which makes it really nice to feel that sense of home-bound comfort!  

I’ve always thought of Beacon Hill as somewhat possessive of that old-money conservative vibe (Senator John Kerry actually lives around the corner!), though there is no denying of its ever-present beauty and charm.  My darling friend (who also takes credit for the photography here) and I took in the picturesque foliage, before heading over to Newbery street for some retail therapy (for me anyway).

This two-toned Nicole Miller dress is a new addition to my closet.  I like it for its comfort, form-flattering nature, as well as the full coverage it provides, which makes the dress a great seasonal piece suitable for the office!  The boots are adorable, and again, wholly Fall appropriate – though I am still learning to break them in (they can be a bit tricky on those sloped, cobble stone hills!).  The leopard soles are an added bonus – I just love the thoughtful and subtle details in life!  

Love my Ronni Kappos earrings! Handmade from vintage German glass. I got these during my visit to the Boston Institute of Contemporary Art

 

#208 Poised and Ready

Shirt: Zara | Cardigan: H&M | Skirt: Ann Taylor | Boots: Nine West | Necklace: Yumi Kim

Life on the go… means that often times you need to make snap decisions on what to wear.  This outfit was something I had quickly put together for my first day of work post-Spain.  Nothing spells Fall like the mix of bronze yellow and textured black and white!  To me, they are the perfect elements of office style – the classic pencil skirt, offset by some modern accents (i.e., a touch of bright tones with fun accessories). 

These days, I’ve also been trying to give my face a seasonal break by going as make-up free as possible.  For a girl who’s addicted to makeup (particularly eyes), this has been a rather refreshing experience!

#204 Autumn Transformation

Dress: Nicole Miller Collection | Jacket: DKNY | Earrings: From Afghanistan | Boots: Via Spiga | Glasses: Derek Cardigan 7013 Dark Fade, Courtesy of Coastal Eyewear

No longer in denial and fully ready to embrace Fall, I’ve officially vowed to go through my wardrobe, so as to refresh and recharge it for the season!  

This Nicole Miller maroon dress is one of my favorite pieces for the office, the soft fabric and cut makes it super comfortable to wear, and is the ultimate in ease.  Pair it with tried and true plaid, kick in some easy-walking ankle boots, and it is the perfect Autumn look! Great for the office and beyond.  I can't wait for my full-on Autumn wardrobe!

Rocking my new Derek Cardigan glasses! Sponsored by Coastal Frames.  I get compliments whenever I wear them!! You can't see it clearly in the photo, but there are actually subtle math symbols on the edge of the frame, an accent which definitely appeals to my inner nerd!  The DC 7013 Dark Fade is unfortunately sold out, but you can find more varieties here!  Plus, your first pair of glasses is free! (Promo Code: FIRSTPAIRFREE)

Also, these earrings hold a very special mening to me, as they were an anniversary gift from hubby, brought all the way back from Afghanistan.  (Lapis is one of my favorite gems in the world!). 

Nothing inspires me more than the changing foliage of Fall!

Loving my new Theologue iPhone case by Alex Grey! Courtesy of RockShic's sponsor GelaSkins.

Related articles

#232 DC Joie de Vivre

#275 Bold Construction

#147 Color me Magenta

Jacket: Ann Taylor | Glasses: Tom Ford | Shirt: Zara (last seen here) | Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft | Shoes: Corso Como (last seen here) | Necklace: We see Stars

I’ll be the first one to admit that I’m not one for super bright colors (though I am happily experimenting!).  However, I wanted to give this new magenta skirt a whirl (it was such a steal!), and actually felt pretty girly and feminine in it.  I also like that the look was fitting for the office, but vibrant enough for the after-party.  Plus, when in doubt, just throw on a jacket and you’re all set!

Here are some additional ideas on how to wear magenta to the office – w/an elegant black & white print top (though I would advise not to go too crazy), and some fun accessories! Above all, keep it classy!  You can also colorblock – like this lovely fashionista does here.  One thing is for sure, when executed correctly, you can look fabulous in magenta at any age!

#146 Workweek Chic

Jacket: Milly (similar style here) | Dress: Banana Republic | Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Bag: Chanel

I love this encapsulation of lady-like elegance.  Who knew that a cute, buttoned-up jacket can go such a long way? 

This look denotes a bit of that sixties-Mad-Men glam that is very much au courant.  Then again, that’s exactly why I find it so smart and ideal for everyday sophistication! The navy, white, and beige are a perfect palette combination.  Definitely a knock-out when it comes to office-wear, and can easily carry you over to Fall!

A similar navy piped coat by Milly -- equally adorable w/a yellow tote!

#136 Back to Basics

Dress: Ann Taylor | Shirt: Chloé | Shoes: Franco Sarto | Bag & Sunglasses: Gucci | Earrings: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store

No matter which way you go, how far you travel, or the length of your escapes… eventually, all roads lead back to work.  Which is just as well – because this bird can get quite antsy after a while with little to do.  I don’t think of myself as a workaholic, necessarily, although I do consider myself somewhat of a perfectionist, with a bit of an obsessive streak.  This can play really well with my organizational abilities, and somewhat discordantly, at times, in my home life when I’m attempting to fit everything into an "excel spreadsheet,” as hubby likes to say. 

Needless to say, it is time to get back to my professional wardrobe, as I swap my bikinis for boardroom pumps, and my beach shorts for pencil skirs.  Though I can’t say it’s all bad, as summer is by far the most forgiving and relaxed season for the business-minded audience such as myself. 

Here, I’m feeling particularly feminine in my pastel-teal dress from Ann Taylor (bought on a work trip last year in Denver).  The shirt has been worn before (on the lawns of Tanglewood), and these shoes are new!  I’ve been looking for some black-and-white footwear lately, and snatched up these puppies from a little consignment store called “The Preppy Turtle,” on our recent trip to Bedford.  They have all of the qualities I like: adorable, office-friendly, and comfortable!

#126 A Girl in a Business World

Shirt: J. Crew | Skirt: Banana Republic | Jacket: Ann Taylor | Shoes: Sigerson Morrison (last seen here) | Necklace: From DC (Capitol Hill Jewelry Trunk Show) | Sunglasses: Cole Haan 

Another week, another round of meetings, meetings, and more meetings.  For some reason, this week was particularly gruesome when it came down to public speaking engagements.  Wanting to look the part, but still stay fresh, I went for my recent favorite silk blue shirt (last worn in the Berkshires), and paired it with a crisp white skirt (purchased many moons ago, from my school days) and a tweed jacket. 

For the most part, I prefer to walk around sans jacket (especially in this humidity!).  However, when it comes down to round-table formality, I opt for the jacket look, simply because I see it as the equivalent of my Superman Cape for the Corporate Boardroom. 

I strongly feel that you should always mix up your pieces so that they can serve multiple functions (this is true for all three separates I’m wearing, the tweed jacket being a surprise favorite when donned with an unassuming pair of jeans and tee).  Finally, to showcase a little bit of my own character, I chose an offbeat necklace that is pronounced enough to garner compliments, but not too overt as to be peacocking in a room full of potentially conservative executives.  It’s a juggle, but somebody has to do it!  I'm just glad the weekend is here!!! 

Smitten by these items! (It's the little accents that count).