J. Crew's Merino Zip Cardigan and Express Herringbone Pencil Skirt

This is a bad-ass work look.  If you don't look closely it seems very feminine, but it's loaded with bad-girl detail which I love. 

 

 

This sweater is a blend of the demure---chiffon fabric at neckline--and, the more avant garde slanted zipper. 

 

 

The herringbone skirt has a buckle (hidden under my sweater, but would look good with a tucked in shirt, which I just can't pull off right now) and form fitting shape.  The only downside-this outfit must be worn on a skinny day :-(

 

And of course, wearing this with my trusty black tights and booties. Can't get enough of those.

 

sweater: J. Crew

Skirt: Express

Tights: Hue (Anthropologie)

Booties:Flannery Boots, J. Crew

 

And an Atkins update: I am down a total of 5 lbs. now.  The weight loss is definitely slowing and any day I go off it I go up a bit, so I definitely think it's part water weight.  But, all-in-all it seems like it's been a way to get me to stick to a diet, so if I can just double that number I'll be really pleased.

 

xoxo,

Lynne

Bright and Feminine

It's been a cold, dreary winter here in Boston.  I have really bad spring fever already.  I can't wait to break out the warmer weather clothes.  I've really been loving the belt trend, but it can be hard to pull off for us apples of the world.  I found this obi style belt at Garnet Hill, and decided to pair it with a bright cardigan and soft, feminine skirt:

Sorry for the mess...my hubby shot this pic right as I was out the door for work.  I guess we didn't notice his shoes right there in the frame. 

This skirt is awesome.  It's one of the few full skirts I can pull off.  The material is a light, soft silk, so I think that's key.  It has a little volume, but not too much.  I can't do too much volume in the skirt area, because I carry ALL my weight in the torso.

Aren't these back seam polka dot tights from J. Crew the cutest?!?!  This outift was definitely a pick-me up as I've been doing phase 1 of Atkins all week.  Boy, is it tough.  I really love carbs.  My life is pretty sad without chocolate, bread, and pasta.  And I've been trying not to bake anything, which is a passion of mine.  On a good note, though: I'm only doing it for another day before I take a break, and I'm already down 3 lbs!!!  That's what's keeping me going.  It's really the only way I've ever been able to lose weight...so thank you, Dr. Atkins, but next time find a way to put chocolate in there, please.

Skirt: theory

Belt: Eileen Fisher

Cardigan: Express

Tights: J. Crew

Shoes: Cole Haan

xoxo,

Lynne

Double Serge Pencil Skirt...this time in hot pink!

I hope everyone had a nice Valentine's Day.  Personally, I didn't do too much, but I was lucky enough to get a box of my favorite chocolates from Teuscher.  I've also been saving a special outfit to wear to work to commemorate the day.

I am obviously obsessed with J. Crew's Double Serge Pencil Skirt.  The black that I wore in a previous post is by far the most versatile of this year's colors, and because it's sort of a "background" piece, I wear it more because I know people won't really notice its *frequent* repetition.  The same cannot be said about the bright pink color:

I thought about wearing it with black, but really loved the soft romance of white with brown shoes/belt.  I'm also wearing J. Crew's nude pindot tights.

I had a hard time with the white tops...mostly because the white tops I tried were either too long, too see-through, or too something and just didn't look right.  This, I discovered right as I was trying to get out the door and run to work.  Not sure I hit it 100% out of the ballbark, but at least in person this combo of white button-down and white cardi looked best.

Skirt, Cardigan, tights: J. Crew

Shoes, Belt: Cole Haan

Button-down shirt: Express

I have to say I am a bit concerned about the quality of this cardigan (J. Crew's bling button Dauphine cardigan).  It's pilling a bit already, and the material is so thin I think it's going to get holes in it very soon.  I do love the concept though.

All in all since I spent most of Valentine's Day at work--and most certainly did not do anything romantic--at least this pink skirt got me in a good mood, and hopefully didn't go unnoticed by my coworkers.

xoxo,

Lynne

J. Crew: It's Black and White

I bought this black and white floral pattern dress back in 2008.  It is so versatile.  My favorite work look for it is with this black blazer (totally flattering for a bloated day too:-), and I paired it with these Hue black tights from Anthro and my black J. Crew booties.  This outfit definitely solidifies the concept that sometimes "dressy" clothes can be just as comfy as casual clothes. 

 

These tights and booties have really helped me keep my wardrobe options open this winter.  Back in the day when I just had hose and pumps it always seemed like I would look too cold if I wore a skirt/dress.  Don't you hate that when a million people ask you if you are cold all day long?  But, I definitely feel that they help winterize the look...though I am longing for the days of bare legs and sandals.

 

 

I am keeping this in my work rotation, but trying not to wear it too much, lol!