how to work: this season’s navy (coat)
i’m adding a fall jacket to the list of essentials because if you live in Canada you know how confusing and indecisive the weather can be, you can get summer, fall and winter-like temps all in one week.
my solution for dealing with our unpredictable weather is to to have a few jackets in my work wardrobe. in addition to the basic black, the camel and leather jacket, i have a lightweight coloured jacket.
how i work the fall jacket: this blue from Zara has come in handy for travelling for work and because of the length it’s a great alternative to a trench. I will work it with all black, all grey and maybe with camel. it’s a great addition the arsenal of weather-fighting outwear!
check me out on instragram to see one way i work it!
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how many coats are too many, you think?
Nina Garcia says: the LWD is the ‘unsung’ hero according to nina garcia in One Hundred. wearing white can be tricky, especially if you are like me and enjoy your morning coffee.
how i work the LWD: i grew out of my Zara white dress and got this Club Monaco one because it’s an a-line and loved the black panel detail on the sides and the waffling fabric.
i will transition this from summer (pair with flats) to fall with tights and my leather jacket.
The LWD is also great day-to-night option if you want to give the LBD a break. Add some gold accessories and head out for afterwork drinks with friends or hot date. I’d say definitely work the LWD into your wardrobe if you haven’t already.
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LBD or LWD, what’s your fave?
in the One Hundred, nina garcia says that wearing leather pants are ‘primal’ and ‘sexual’. not exactly the words you want to describe your workwear, or at least not in most cases.
i’m opting for the leather ‘skirt’ as the essential workwear piece for the “L” list. Pencil skirt, full and flirty, midi, real or faux, basic black or bold colour.
how i ‘work’ it: the massimo dutti burgundy skirt gets paired with a white button-down and black turtleneck with tall boots. this season i will pair it with a camel lightweight sweat or coat and blue pinstriped shirt to mix things up a little.
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leather pants vs. leather skirt, what’s your preference?
just a quick follow-up from my previous post on the “Investment” Bag.
how i work it: this Cole Haan tote is the perfect work bag for me. it’s a medium size bag that holds my wallet, phone, camera, small umbrella, iPad, iPod, make-up bag (that has Advil, eye drops, hand lotion and lip balm in it – no actual makeup), and some other items.
i’ve been toting it around for about 3 years now (maybe more) when i picked it up on a trip to Chicago – love that city btw. it’s the first time i’ve spent proper money on a handbag and i’m glad i did. who knows, when i win the lottery i might upgrade to an LV or Birkin. Until then imma work this one until it falls apart, cause that’s the kinda girl i am!
how do work your handbag (e.g. tote, oversized, hobo, clutch)?
the Essentials: the ‘Investment’ bag (or just a really good bag that fits all your stuff)
in Nina G.’s world the “Investment Bag” goes something like this, Chanel, Birkin, LV Speedy, the Jackie O. Sadly, I do not live in Nina G.’s world but if you do, then rock on with your Chanel 2.55 toting self!
how i work it: the Investment Bag is still on my “want list” but in the mean time i work a Cole Haan tote that I’ve had for about 3 or 4 years now and carry pretty much every day except weekends when i swap out for a small cross-body or a hobo bag.
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Nina G. says that hoop earrings are an “old standby”. i call them my everyday ear-wear. She also says to reserve the “big chunky door knockers” for your gig as a backup dancer. lol i need to remember that.
how i work it: i do a pair in gold and another in silver, mid-size (i’ve got really small ears) plus a mid-size pair are work appropriate where the larger hoops i would save for my street style.
(the bowl is from anthroplogie)
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Nina G. says that your gloves must fit perfectly and that fingerless ones are good for when you want to be badass. i need to get some fingerless gloves pronto!
how i work it: these pink pair were a gift. i own a black leather pair that are beaten up but are my favourite pair. they take me thru the fall and into the winter. but i like to switch things up and these are a great way to accessorize without much commitment, just pair with the basic black, white or grey coats of the season.
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Nina G. says ballet flats are timeless, chic and more importantly, for us practical 9to5ers, comfortable. win-win!
how i work it: those flats are like Lays Potato Chips – i can’t just have one! i opted for 9west flats with a bit of a pointy toe in black, nude, and brown. these nude pair have walked me to work many a spring/summer day. because they are nude, they work with just about everything. i sometimes skip the heels and keep these on all day and into the weekend.
high-five for comfort!
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how many pairs do you own?
Swagger & Greys 