Monday Moodlifter - Clutch Me Close

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I promise things will begin to get back to normal posting around here, although there might be times when things pick up too much and posts will slow down again.  That's the unfortunate price for not being able to just be a full time photographer and blogger, a girl can dream though.  One thing that has not stopped during this little posting interlude, spring catalogs are flooding my mailbox.   It is depressing, I admit, to see the beautiful warm weather fashions and then step out the door to blistering cold wind.  However, I have noticed a fun, colorful trend this year that doesn't depend on the temperature, clutches!  I'm seeing them all over the catalogs, in fun bright styles.  Here are my five favorites of the moment, I hope they brighten your cold Monday!

Ann Taylor Envelope Clutch

I love the bright cobolt and aqua in this two tone clutch.  It's so cheery, if you're stuck wearing a boring black winter coat, at least you can carry this in your hand to stand out a little.

Ann Taylor Foldover Napa Leather Clutch

 I really enjoy foldover clutches, they seem to have more space than the envelope style.  This is a beautiful aqua color that could be a fun pop of color next to any other color you decide to wear.

LL Bean Signature Heritage Leather Clutch

 I know, you're thinking "LL Bean?", but yes.  If you haven't yet checked out their Signature Collection, you are missing out.  While not everything is my style, there are a number of lovely, quality pieces.  I have one of these Heritage clutches, although mine is a combination leather and denim (no longer available apparently).  I love this bright red leather, it has me thinking about 4th of July BBQs already.

GAP Leather Envelope Clutch

Despite being a bit of a girly girl, I actually don't love wearing a lot of pink.  I do enjoy a nice pink accessory though, and this neon clutch would be a perfect touch of pink.

Banana Republic Patent Clutch

 I saved the best for last, this is definitely my favorite of the bunch.  It looks like mint is going to be just as popular this year as it was in 2012, which I love.  It's a bright, fresh color, and this clutch combines it with patent leather, a to.die.for. combination in my book.

Are you just as ready for spring and warm weather as I am?  What are you most excited for when the season finally changes?

Monday Moodlifter - Casual Friday

Yes, it is only Monday but today we're already dreaming of Friday, and who isn't really?  H recently started a new job, and one of the many things she loves about this new adventure is that for the first time in her professional career she is in an office that has casual Fridays.  Yes, it seems like such a little thing, but there is something uplifting about knowing that when you wake up Friday morning you can at least put on a comfortable pair of jeans instead of a constricting pencil skirt.  In the winter it's especially nice because it means one less day of black tights during the week.  However, just because it is called "casual Friday" and jeans are allowed, doesn't mean that all professionalism can go out the window.  The jeans must fit well, not too tight or too loose, and no holes!  Similarly your top should be well fitted and office appropriate, a good rule of thumb is to stick with items you would otherwise wear with a skirt or dress pants, or items you would wear for a nice Sunday brunch.  Lastly, you can't forget to think about your shoes.  Flats are great with jeans, and still keep the outfit comfortable.  

So in honor of H's new found need for nice casual clothes, here are five items that will keep you comfortable and professional on your Fridays.

J.Crew Tipi Sweater

A great basic sweater like this in a bright color is an easy way to look pulled together and feel comfortable at the same time.  The crew neck is a classic style and ensures that everything is appropriately covered.

Loft Striped Textured V-Neck Cardigan

Cardigans are already a staple in our work wardrobes, however we tend to wear lighter weight, smaller knit cardigans during the week because of the lighter material of our pencil skirts and dress pants.  For Fridays a heavier, chunkier knit cardigan works perfect with the thicker denim of jeans.  An added bonus is the increased coziness of these sweaters.  Just be sure to wear a camisole or tee underneath with a tailored fit, a high enough neckline, and that is not see thru. 

Ann Taylor Silk Button Down Camp Shirt

If you are bored with sweaters and cardigans, then another idea is to find a casual style shirt, that normally would be too casual for the office, in a rich fabric like silk.  The dressy fabric will elevate the shirt into Friday casual territory.  For something like this camp shirt you should tuck it in and add a belt to keep the look classy and pulled together.

Ann Taylor Faceted Square Button Earrings

Adding some nice, eye catching jewelry is great way to make an otherwise casual outfit shine.  We are not fans of  large drop or chandelier earrings for the workplace, so we prefer something like these statement studs.  These won't get lost in your hair if you wear it down, but they aren't so over the top to be distracting.

Lucky Brand Peppy Flat

We don't typically pair heels with our jeans for the office, instead we prefer a nice flat.  Because we wear basic black flats and heels most of the week, we like to spice things up a little for Friday.  A simple style metallic flat always seems to work.  A light gold goes with almost any color scheme, black, brown, navy, etc., which helps reduce the number of pairs of flats you need to purchase.  The key to making a metallic shoe work, though, is to keep the style of the shoe classic, and to keep the tone of the metallic light.


Do you have casual Fridays at your office?  What's your favorite casual outfit?

Monday Moodlifer : A Walk on the Wild Side

It is that time of year where our weekends are full of various holiday gatherings.  Some are casual, and some are more formal.  Typically at these types of events the common colors we see women wearing are blacks, reds, and some lovely jewel toned blues, greens, and burgandies.  We thought for today's Monday Moodlifter we would offer some different accessory options, all in the same theme, that will go with any of these colors, and that can either make a casual outfit a little more cool or a cocktail dress a little more daring.  So what is this universal theme, why leopard print of course!  So enjoy these wild animal print items we are completely in love with right now!

This J.Crew bangle is just beautiful and classic, with the leopard giving it that little bit of an edge.  This would be a great addition to a casual outfit adding just that hint of interest without going over the top.

These block heeled shoes from Ann Taylor would be the perfect addition to your outfit if you have a work holiday happy hour to attend.  They are fun without being offensive, and bonus, you can probably get away with wearing them through out the year in the office as well.

A scarf like this will help take your outfit from running errands to brunch or dinner or friends.  It will also keep you warm as you rush along to your destination from the metro.

This haircalf belt is super versitile.  It could wrap around a sheath dress or a pencil skirt at work.  You could toss it on over a long sweater and skinny jeans, or if you are daring, you could even try it out over a simple black cocktail dress.

 Lastly, this little box clutch is so lovely and would be a fabulous statement piece to add some sass to a more formal outfit.  It's also great because it will work with more casual outfits as well, which makes the $120 price a little more palatable.

Do you have any go to accessories for the holidays?  H has a lovely pair of onyx and gold teardrop earrings she regulary pulls out this time of year, and M likes to pair crisp cream/white tops with bright, sparkly jewelry. 

Monday Moodlifter: Making a List...

Sorry for the incredibly long hiatus, we both have had some exciting new job changes and there has been some vacationing going on as well, but we are BACK now!  Today, as you are probably very aware, is CyberMonday.  Most of our favorite retailers have some great online sales happening today, so it's a great day to get on that holiday shopping if you are like us and avoided Black Friday like the plague.  Here are five items on our gift giving lists, along with sale info.  Enjoy!

Classic Wide Bangle, $22.50

This versatile bangle bracelet from J.Crew would be a great gift for a friend.  Today J.Crew is offering 25% off and free shipping on any order with the code MONDAY.

Foldover Nappa Leather Clutch, $98

This leather clutch would be a great gift for your sister, it comes in so many different colors you're sure to find the one that suits her best.  Ann Taylor is offering 40% off everything today with code MONDAY.

Cashmere Infinity Scarf, $198

This is a bit pricey, but what mother wouldn't love this beautiful cashmere scarf.  Think of all of things she's done for you over the years, you know she deserves it.  Banana Republic is offering 30% off today with code CYBER.

Folk Flora Rolling Pin, $18

Grandma's kitchen could definitely use a snazzy rolling pin like this to jazz things up.  Anthropologie is offering free shipping on all orders today.

Enamel Bird Dish, $14.95

For that coworker who's really more than just a coworker this little enamel dish is perfect.  She can keep it on her a desk as a stylish little catch-all, or she can take it home for her jewelry.  Crate and Barrel is offering 15% off and free shipping today with code SAVE15.

Enjoy your online shopping today!

Wednesday Perk - Transitions

As we noted on Monday, fall is upon us.  Here in the DC area the mornings are crisp, but the afternoons can still get a little warm.  This means that transition pieces are a must, and lightweight, simple sweaters are the perfect item.  The best part about sweaters like this is that they can be worn for work, or with jeans for a nice weekend look.  These sweaters can also work triple duty, transitioning from summer into fall, throughout winter layered with a scarf or blazer, and to transition you from winter into spring.  We prefer simple, single color pieces so that they can be accessorized for any occasion.  Below are a few great, affordable options (especially given the endless sales at the retailers these days).  Also check out the accessories to spice up your sweater finds!

Lightweight Sweaters 

Clockwise from top left: Ann Taylor Jewel Neck Sweater $68; Ann Taylor Side Button 3/4 Sleeve Sweater $58; Banana Republic Scoop-Neck Pullover $59.50; Banana Republic Tipped V-Neck Sweater $59.50

Sweater Accessories by halgh4

Across the rows from left to right: Natasha Couture glitter jewelry, ABS by Allen Schwartz multi chain necklace, Anne klein jewelry, Lace necklace, Ann Taylor silk shawl, Trouve square scarve, Kate spade, J Crew wool shawl, Earrings, Kate spade earrings, Amrita Singh post earrings, Michael Kors rose earrings