The Little Lady, Part I: Work Wear

No matter how much I wantingly observe and report on various iterations of “the undone” or “the effortless” in fashion, let me be clear: this little magpie gravitates towards the opposite end of the spectrum, and is more commonly seen in an assortment of tucked-in, structured, ladylike separates.  (I own a bajillion and one cardigans.  Enough said.)  Perhaps this is part and parcel of a slight OCD I’ve self-diagnosed, something germane to the “I can’t sleep when my closet door is open” and “I compulsively clean the backsplash on my stove” features of my personality.  And perhaps this is why I continue to feature posts on the “slouchy, boho glam” look I envy yet cannot indulge in for fear of looking sloppy; after all, “those who can’t do, teach.”  At any rate, this post is one of a series of “Little Lady” posts I plan to develop over the next few days; it may seem a slight departure from some of my earlier features, as I’m truly reaching back into “classic” territory, where I’m most at home.

Kate Spade ad from a few seasons ago — L.O.V.E. it

For the work-a-day wardrobe, I’m all about  blouses, full skirts, and heels.  It’s a done deal in terms of flattering the silhouette and appearing tailored and tidy.  I like, for example, a frilly little sleeveless blouse ($49, J. Crew), tucked into a bold-print full circle skirt ($211, Farfetch),  paired with heels with some added interest (I love a black pump, but let’s live it up!  — I am into the spectator detailing on these Miu Mius in particular — $515, MyTheresa):

The only thing I’d add?  Some Kate Spade enorma-studs (no one does ladylike like Kate Spade — $125, Neiman Marcus) and a classy chain-handle bag ($495, Henri Bendel):

When in the mood for a softer color palette, I’m loving the gray-lavender combo these days.  Consider pairing a painterly lilac printed blouse (Rika, on sale for $114, La Garconne) with an uber-feminine ruffled skirt ($148, French Connection) and some ladylike bow-toe pumps (Christian Dior,$452, Bluefly):

A sparkling pair of amethyst studs ($300, Bounkit) and a feminine bow-bedecked bag in gray-lavender ($695, Kate Spade) are the perfect accoutrements:

For extra polish, top it all off with a coordinating lavender coat ($349, Talbot’s):

Alternately, sport this delicately-hued topper with this jewel-necked 3.1 Phillip Lim blouse ($286, My Theresa) and this lavender-striped skirt (Milly, $350, MyTheresa):

The graphic stripe and delightful pop of lilac against the stark black/white combo is beyond adorable — and somehow instantly put-together, especially when paired with this OMG-worthy Kate Spade tote ($395, Kate Spade) and some glossy black pumps (Rupert Sanderson, $595, Net-A-Porter):

The only thing you need to add is a pair of pearl-esque studs (Kendra Scott, $55, Max & Chloe) to play off the detailing of the blouse:

Ialso like the above earrings with the fiery red blouse below  (it’s so my color — $59, J. Crew) and a full black circle skirt (Charles Anastase, $465, La Garconne):

I’d spruce things up with this to.die.for Anya Hindmarch bag (adore the bow! — $845, Net-A-Porter) and these adorable Kate Spade leopard bow-toe pumps ($398, Bergdorf Goodman):

If you’re liking the more vibrant color route featured above, consider pairing this See by Chloe gold button blouse ($295, Net-A-Porter) with this bold mandarine orange tweed skirt (Adam, $110, TheOutnet):

In my opinion, a snakeskin print pump adds the perfect contrast point to the texture and color vibrancy of the skirt (the first is by Louboutin — $995, FootCandyShoes — but you can get the same look for less with the Joan & David variation beneath, $220, Nordstrom):

The only thing I’d add?  Some polished gold earrings ($185, Diani Boutique) and a textured brown tote (“The Alden,” $245, Brahmin):

I also love a blush-toned palette, featuring something like this cropped Fendi coat ($337, TheOutnet), a crisp white pencil skirt (Adam, $78, TheOutnet), and these nude Louboutins ($635, FootCandyShoes):

Pair with this adorable bow-front Valentino bag ($1,810, StyleBop) — or get the look for far less with this similarly-styled Melie Bianco tote ($86, Melie Bianco):

The only thing I’d add?  An enorma-ring (Kate Spade, $125, Neiman Marcus) and some pearl studs:

Layer it all beneath this taupey-lilac hued overcoat ($298, J. Crew):

Don’t forget your work tools — some ladylike, sharpened pencils ($15 for a set of 14, iomoi) — and some fun little notebooks (Archie Grand — a limited selection is available at J.Crew, but a more extensive set can be found for $10/pop at Jasper + Black):

(I particularly need the second one.)  A textured dusty rose organizer is the only other item I’d need ($40, Lincoln Stationer’s):

Off to work I go!  Look out for Partie Deux of this series tomorrow: The Little Lady, Part II: Out for the Evening.