Tuesday, March 23, 2010

"work-cocktail"

Today's post is a study in reinterpreting the cocktail dress for the work environment!  {woo hoo!  how snotty do I sound?}

I'm a big fan of purchasing clothes that serve more than one purpose - I get more bang for my buck and I get to go to work feeling semi-snazzy in my "modified party clothes!"

Case in Point:

Monday:


This is not the most exciting dress... actually, I wouldn't classify this as "cocktail" but it is silk and sleeveless and works for a whole slew of social events (church, showers, graduations, etc)... But throw a jacket over it or a button down under it, and it becomes a fabulous work dress! 

Black Suit Jacket - Banana Republic
Silk "Circles" Tulip Dress - Banana Republic
Black Tights - Merona via Target
Patent & Suede "Harper" Pumps - J.Crew
Gold Figure-8 Earrings - gift
Gold Medallion Necklace - gift 

Tuesday:



Obsessed with this Theory steal from RueLaLa.... First, the top portion is a super-stretchy, super-flattering, super-comfy lycra blend that reminds me of my favorite ballet leotards from back in the Skinny Days.  Empire Waist is tricky on my body type at times - making me appear more bottom heavy and pair-shaped than is entirely fair.  But for some reason... this works.  I always feel thin in this dress!  The paint-brush basket-weave pattern on the silk skirt is understated but a little unexpected.  Pop on a bright turquoise cardy from LEC, and we're ready for a day of work, to be followed thereafter with dinner and drinks!  



Are you sick of my LEC Heritage Cardy Love yet?  Seriously y'all, these colors are GORGEOUS!  So vibrant!  I think I need more!  Come on, coupons! 

"Heritage" Cardigan in Turquoise Sea - Lands' End Canvas
"Mixed Media" Dress - Theory via RueLaLa
Perfect Patent Platform Pumps - Ann Taylor
Seed Pearl Necklace - gift 

6 comments:

  1. I wanted that Theory dress- it is super flattering and you look teensy tiny.

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  2. Love the Theory dress too! So versatile and looks fabulous on you!

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  3. Very cute! Your style is amazing.

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  4. Dear Kate - Should you EVER, EVER, EVER consider passing on the Theory dress please put me at the top of that hypothetical sale list. It's amazing and you look (ARE) itty bitty teeny tiny!! Can't wait to see you in less than a month!

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  5. Stunning! Okay, I can't avoid it any longer... TO LANDS END CANVAS I GO!

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  6. loving all the dresses! the patterns are so flattering on you.

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stall scribbles appreciated!