When two favorites collide

As I was browsing the web this morning, I discovered that JCrew has combined two of my absolute favorites. Favorite one – a simple and well-cut t-shirt that looks great dressed up or down. Favorite two – cashmere, because it’s so soft and luxurious. Now, I’m obsessing over all the ways I could wear this cashmere tee.

On a Casual Friday, I would wear it over a chambray shirt and leggings. To keep it office appropriate, I would pair everything with classic black flats and modern jewelry.

I also love the idea of using it to create my own color block with a solid skirt or brightly colored, cropped pants. I’d stick with solids all the way to the shoes and highlight the bright and bold colors with a statement necklace.

This cashmere tee would also look great with classic staples like a pencil skirt or fitted black slacks. Try it with a cute skinny belt and basic black shoes for a day in the office or client meeting.

Obsessed: Swackett

My name is Jill and I have a problem.

Every morning I check the weather app on my phone and then proceed to completely ignore whatever it said and wear whatever I feel like wearing. The result is often painful (i.e. I’m too hot or too cold all.day.long.)

For example, yesterday I opened the front door and decided it was warm enough to leave the house with just my corduroys and a long cardigan. No coat. Or gloves. Not even a scarf. But moments after I arrived at the office, it started to snow. And these were not just flurries; these were fluffy, ginormous flakes. #FAIL

But don’t you worry: there’s an app for that.

That’s a screen shot of Swackett, my new iPhone app that takes the mystery out of the “Sweater, jacket or coat?” conundrum. As you can see, yesterday I should have worn not only a coat, but mittens and a knit hat.

I wish I could say I’m on the front end of the Swackett train (I fancy myself an “early adopter” type), but there are already more than 1 million users worldwide. So I’ll just be content to be dressed appropriately bundled from now on. Thanks Swackett!

And happy weekend y’all.

Jail Birds

Listen ladies: stripes are not just for the Hamburglar. Recently I’ve found so many Office Pretty stripes I love, I may end up looking like a jailbird every day this spring.

As you can see from the outfits above, stripes are versatile and chic. We’re seeing stripes on everything from cute tops to sophisticated dresses. Stripes are a fun way to add personality to an outfit and make you feel like you’re on your way to French picnic, even though you are really on your work to work (boo).

Here are a few stripes we just love this season.

• Sophisticated stripes for the office
• An affordable top with a feminine touch
• A pretty striped skirt
• An adorable and classic jacket (and tons of other Kate Spade stripes)
• Colorful silk stripes
• A chic dress that reminds me of the top above
• Maternity stripes

P.S. Ever wonder how the Hamburglar got his stripes? Mystery solved.

News You Can Use

Who is H&M's spring 2012 designer collaborator?

We’ve noticed a lot of good fashion news lately. Here’s a roundup of what you need to know…

News – H&M’s next designer collaboration is with Marni, an artsy, family-owned Italian brand.  Here’s a quick video about the collection featuring lots of European accents and remarks about the design like, “she aims for a sensuality of the mind.” Right.

What it means for you - More designer silhouettes at affordable prices! Good thing H&M had this match made in heaven already lined up since it’s limited edition Versace line sold out in one day online. Mark your calendars if you’re interested: March 8, 2012.

News – Target introduces specialty, in-store boutiques called The Shops. HuffPo covered the announcement and posted a video about what’s in store.

What it means for you - You’ll have easy, curated access to the products that top boutiques from around the country are offering. Not all shops will be available at all stores, so we’ll keep you posted about what’s coming to Targets near Denver.

News – According to Bill Cunningham of the New York Times, “the fashion and design worlds are looking back to the Renaissance and the Victorian era” to inspire them today.

What it means for you - It’s been a while since these two eras have heavily influenced fashion. Maybe there will (finally!) be some new shapes for women’s wear coming your way soon.

Do you follow us on Twitter? We’re constantly tweeting office pretty new in 140 characters or less!