I’m trying to keep a lid on my spending right now, but this sweatshirt was on sale for $33 at JCrew (it’s still on sale but might be different price)… I only have maybe 10 grey sweatshirts, so I obviously need one more.
I actually bought it in the “heather overcast snow” color. I love it to pieces.
That is all.
Happy Friday!
Ok, now that we’ve established that it’s the season for an easy slim leg pant, let’s talk shoes. I go two directions. If I’m feeling ambitious, it’s a pointed toe 3-4 inch heel. If I’m feeling tired, it’s a cute loafer. Shoes are not a category where I like to spend a lot of money so my general strategy is to buy a few basic options under $100, wear them into the ground, and then replace them after a couple years. I usually have nude pumps and flats, black pumps and flats, and a couple statement shoes or alternative neutrals for fun. Here are a few that I have and few that are on my list right now.
Super Simple Loafer from JCrew Factory
I have these in the grey above and they also come in black on nude. They are a great neutral both in color and design and will go with almost any pant color out there. They are typically priced around $50 depending on the current sale, so the price is right. A bonus is that they’re really light and easy to throw in your work bag when you have to commute in snow boots!
Super Sleek Nine West Loafer
Sometimes I find loafers to be too chunky or unflattering, but these are the perfect finishing touch to an outfit for work. They’re from Nine West and the Nine West website is constantly having sales, so you’re not going to spend close to the $79 that they are full price.
Fun and Easy Nine West Pumps
How fun are these? I think these would be perfect for a really neutral outfit that needed a statement. I love that they’re a 3 inch heel which is very do-able. Again they are always on some kind of sale at Nine West. These are in the shopping cart…
Fabulous Gold Boden Loafers
I’m a little upset that I don’t own these, but I actually have 2-3 pairs of gold flats that are a couple years old and in too good shape to buy another pair. For women from New Jersey like myself, we have the added fashion advantage that metallics and leopard print are considered neutrals in our closet. I would wear these with anything. I haven’t shopped too much a Boden, but I did just get a dress on super sale from there that I love.
Basic Pointed Toe Sam Edelman Pump
My go-tos for basic pointed toe pumps are Sam Edelman, Vince Camuto, and Nine West. They all usually have a style like the one above that is basic but sleek. I require a pointed toe, because I find a rounded toe unflattering on me, and like I said earlier, a 3-4 inch heel. Too high and I’m not comfortable, too low and I think it just looks awkward.
My other secret to success with work shoes is that I never commute in them. This cuts down on wear and tear (escalators can really scuff up a new pair of shoes), and it makes it easy for me to move quickly through the metro stations. I have my Toms most of the year and then Uggs or snow boots when it’s cold and snowy out. I have no shame when I can run up an escalator next to the women struggling in heels.
What shoes are you loving right now?
I have many friends who really enjoy wearing tights in the winter. I do not. I will do it on occasion, when they outfit and the weather requires it, but when the temperature drops- it’s pants time for me.
To my credit, however, I do my best to keep the pants interesting. I have many of the standard navy and black options, but I try to broaden the typical pant color pallet. I have not one, but three pair of pink pants, all in different shades. It can be tough finding pants that flatter your figure. I’ve been sticking to a slimmer leg lately, but I throw in the occasional trouser when needed. Here are a few that have worked well for me this winter.
JCrew’s Cameron Slim Crop
The inseam is a little short (hence the “crop” label), but these are a good standard pencil pant that come in some cute colors. I have a bright blue (so hot right now), and kind of dark chambray. I waited until they were on sale. I would imagine (or hope) they’ll keep the silhouette and bring in some new colors this spring. Also, they are machine wash!!!
Loft’s Pencil Pant in Marisa Fit
These are one of the shades of pink I have. Muted pink tones are really trendy right now, and The Loft is perfect for trend shopping because I spent less than $50 on them. And once again, machine washable!
JCrew’s Martie Slim Crop
These are a little closer to what I would call a pixie pant than the Cameron above. They have a side zip instead of a fly for a sleeker silhouette. They’re basically a more structured legging that’s not quite as clingy as a true legging. I got them in navy. Also, machine washable (do you see a trend)!
Banana Republic’s Devin Fit Legging
Though these are called a legging, their fabric is a little more work appropriate. The fabric is thicker, and therefor leaves a little more to the imagination than a typical cotton/spandex legging. These are a Friday pant for me. I have them in black and light gray. Machine washable!!!
Ann Taylor’s Double Cloth Devin Fit Ankle Pant
These are slightly less body conscious than the other options even though it’s a similar fit. For whatever reason, I wear these pants when I’m out of ideas and I just need pants and a blouse that I can be comfortable in all day at work. I like that I can tuck a blouse into them or wear a sweater that does tuck in, and both options look good. Ann Taylor is always on sale, so it’s easy to find them at 50% off. I have them in black and olive. Again, no dry cleaning needed.
Did you notice that they’re all machine washable? Most similar styles used to be dry clean only at these retailers. I think retailers took a hint that people are tired of paying to dry clean every last thing. I’m happy they caught on, and I hope that all of these hold up in the wash!
Sadie Dishes 