working from home...what to wear?

it is your first day at work...not in the office...that was your old life...but at home or in the studio or in your own business...the only rules governing what you wear are the ones you make yourself...no one will be seeing you...and if someone does...it won't be someone who's judging your clothes by what's proper or powerful in the corporate world...

the only problem is...what do you wear?

can clothes make you feel more successful...even when no one's looking?

you work at home...alone...theoretically you could get up...have your coffee and work all day in your pajamas...or you could pull on the clothes you left in a heap after the girlfriends came over for casual potluck last nite...or you could go halfway...wear "nice" casual clothes...a little makeup...perhaps some earrings...or you could get dressed as if you were going to any office...except that yours just happens to be down the hall from your bathroom...

the question is...since you're not leaving the house...since you won't have to see anyone...does it make any difference at all what you wear?

well...yes...it makes a difference...but only to the extent that your clothes can affect how you feel about yourself...which can affect how you feel about your work...and the clothes that make women feel more successful...or more creative or more motivated...when no one's watching...are determined by personal idiosyncracies rather than standard business-dressing rules...

at home alone...a feeling of success is as likely to emanate from wearing lipstick or a favorite t-shirt as it is from wearing a business suit...

of course...self-image is the bottom line since...when you work alone...that's the only image that counts...i will say...that when i've been home...and in my pj's (yes...i've had those days)...after a while i'd start to feel non-productive...and not very creative...kind of like a non-entity...not only about my work...but about myself...so for me...it helps to put a little effort in what i'm wearing...although my suits have been nicely stored away...

calling all entrepreneurs...fess up...what do you wear when working at home?

photo source

"orange" you glad it's halloween?

...personally i could take it or leave it...but the color...that is a whole different subject...it just exudes happiness...don't you think? here are some ways to incorporate the beautiful color orange into your wardrobe...

nina ricci 'fantasy' tweed pencil skirt
nordstrom

michael kors hamilton n/s tote
neiman marcus

skinny leather belt
j. crew

giuseppe zanotti satin ankle-wrap peep-toe pump
neiman marcus

hacking jacket in herringbone
j. crew

what is your favorite "orange" piece in your wardrobe?

fashion funnies: bird fashion...

...is it really any different then us humans?



hope your weekend is fabulous!

100 unforgettable dresses for my coffee table...

have you heard of the newest fashion book out? perfect for a coffee table centerpiece...even more perfect for my ever growing library of fashion books...i'm thinking with my birthday & christmas coming up...i should put it on my wishlist...truth be told...i don't know if i can wait that long...

here is a little description of "100 unforgettable dresses" by hal rubenstein...

100 Unforgettable Dresses is filled with the stories, secrets, intrigue, and insights behind the most indelible dresses in our collective memories. Featuring looks from the runway, film, television, the red carpet, and the worlds of royalty and politics, this book celebrates the staying power of these gorgeous, sleek, sultry, and outrageous creations as well as the lasting impact they’ve had in fashion, popular culture, and our own lives. More than two hundred images, a witty, informative text, and exclusive interviews with the designers and the women who wore the dresses reveal the initial spark and captivating drama behind the making of each dress. Also featured throughout are extensive anecdotes and observations about great style makers—Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Cher, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Cate Blanchett—highlighting the conception of their most spectacular looks and examining their lasting influence.

photo source

men's corner: the perfect boot...

you've heard me say...over and over that a pair of shoes can make or break an outfit...and men...that applies to your outfits as well...how many times have you seen a great outfit...only to end it at the feet with...oh...a pair of tennis shoes...pah-leeze! why even bother?

there are some great options for men...i have been on a mad search for one of my clients...a nice fall/winter addition to his casual wardrobe...when i saw this boot...i was smitten...but of course...i would not be wearing them...would my client be? so i sent a pic over to him...i was leaning towards the olive green or grey pair...both would be perfect for his wardrobe...

he chose the grey...with red shoelaces...we even added some nice striped socks...with accents of red...to show his fun side...

then...as an added bonus...i realized these have nike air technology in them...i know how much i love nike air in my cole haan high heels...but i'm thinking no one would say no to a bit more comfort...right?

so men...a boot may be just the way to go to add a little style to your casual wardrobe...guaranted to make you look that much more put together...


cole haan air colton layered chukka

you had me at hello: golden cluster...

usually my "you had me at hello" moments happen in a quiet setting...i'm sitting on my couch...relaxed...looking through fabulous fashion magazines...and as always...it happens...i turn that page...and there it is...whatever it is...at that moment...that gets me...that beautiful shoe or bauble or jacket or full on outfit...

today...well...was very chaotic...unloading my car of groceries...getting mail out of the mailbox with both hands full of grocery bags...may i pause a moment and say that i wasn't in a hurry...so what possessed me to do all this at once...well...i can see my mom shaking her head...

but back to the story...so as i'm trying to put all the mail on top of the grocery bags that are in both hands...everything topples over...i mean...EVERYTHING...now normally...i would be pretty upset...but as i looked down at the mess that was now everywhere...the november issue of harper's bazaar was open to this absolute lovely...well...it SO had me at hello...that i...for a moment...forgot about my tiny accident just moments before...

now the thing is...it is kind of like saying i need another pair of black shoes...although i can always justify why "this" pair is different from all my others...i have several gold clutch purses...but this one...is very different...and well...not really a clutch...and plus...it had me at hello during a very hectic moment...

coach bag
scanned by moi

beyond the basic pant...

it was just a few weeks ago...that i was chatting it up about the colored jean...and although i have not found my perfect pair...i am now looking for that AND the perfect colored pant...think bright...

yes...the basic pant can be fabulous as well...pairing it with the right top & shoes...you can pretty much make a very glamorous outfit...but how fun to add some color...when everyone is wearing black, grey, brown or blue pants...go beyond the basic...and add a splash of color...

when you find the perfect pair...keep in mind...less is more...with the bright colored pants...think quiet shades for the rest of your outfit...including the shoes & jewelry...

here are the top contenders so far...

diane von furstenberg naples pants, lipstick

gucci ankle-length pants, tabasco

robert rodriguez wide-leg pleated pants