Hi loves!
I hope everyone is doing excellently well. I wanted to mix it up today and try this sleeveless suede vest in not only a work look, but also as a layering piece. When putting together outfits that I would wear to work, the first thing I always consider is “how can I layer this?” In Southern California, it can jump from 60 degrees at 7 am to 102 around 2 pm. In my office, it can range from slightly chilly to comfortable to having to fan myself in the middle of the day!
I definitely have to think about having pieces I can remove or add on as the day goes on. I’ve made the mistake before of wearing a long-sleeved lightweight (or so I thought!) blouse and suffering through half of the day, so I try to stick with a pretty basic formula for dressing now. I almost always start with a slim basic tank or camisole, like these from Gap. They’re frequently on sale and I have about 10 total in white and black. Next, I’ll wear a sleeveless or short-sleeved top in either cotton or a sheer fabric for coverage, but also to stay cool. To top it off, I’ll grab anything from a barely there cardigan to a more substantial open sweater or blazer. I’m also a huge fan of the lightweight trench for integrating into your work wardrobe. I’ve linked several options below that I think would be great additions. Look for a lightweight material, preferably unlined, and also with roll-up sleeves to adjust between temperatures.
I wanted to keep this look pretty tonal, so I added some black heels that have a white stripe accent; grey, gold and black jewelry; a faux snakeskin work bag and a black suede knee-length skirt fro StitchFix that I’m just in love with right now.
Suede vest / BohoCheri // Tank / Everlane // Trench / H&M // Skirt / StitchFix // Heels / Jimmy Choo // Tote / JustFab // Open bracelet & necklace / LA finds // Cage cuff / Nectar Clothing // Sunglasses / Amazon
Other great trench options here, here and here.
Shot by Holli Zenko Photography.
So, initially, I thought this dress would be tricky to wear due to all of the horizontal stripes, but it actually hugged me in all of the right places and was figure-flattering. I didn’t feel the print was versatile enough, in terms of being able to dress it up or down, so at $78, it was a pass.
Next up, this chambray-like top, as requested from my stylist. I loved the idea of keeping it super casual with a little tank and leggings. This one was pretty great, with it’s subtle pinstripe fabric, that also happens to be super soft. At $64, it was a touch on the pricey side, but I knew I would wear it often enough to make it work.
Here are the aforementioned peach jeans. Cute, but limited in terms of wearability. They were also about 3 inches too long, so I cuffed them up and added my favorite nude open-toed heels. I really liked the idea of pairing it with aqua tones, kind of a play on a coral & turquoise color story. Regardless, their longevity in my wardrobe was non-existent, and therefore, they were returned.
Hi loves!
Dress / 
Every time I hear the term “spring florals” or basically just those two words in the same sentence, it brings to mind a quote from one of my favorite love-to-hate-it movies, The Devil Wears Prada. The line of course being “Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking.” Delivered with such dry wit from the inimitable fashion magnate, Miranda Priestly. It really does make you think though, like pulling out a floral-print blouse or pleated skirt for Spring brunch date doesn’t seem original at all. And yet.. it works. Every time. As you may know, I’m perfectly fine rocking floral prints year round, but there’s just something so sweet about wearing those designs when the flowers are actually in bloom.
