TOP: BCBG  |  PANTS: J. Crew  |  BAG: c/o Reiss  |  WATCH: c/o Daniel Wellington (use code ‘MEMORANDUM’ for 15% off!)  |  BRACELET: c/o Monica Vinader  |  EARRINGS: Baublebar  |  SHOES: Steve Madden (similar here and here)  |  SUNGLASSES: Stella McCartney (similar here)  |  LIP: Nars

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BOOTS: Aquatalia c/o Walin & Wolff (similar here and here)  |  SKIRT: Zara (old, similar here and here)  |  SHIRT: Equipment (similar here, affordable option here)  |  SWEATER: Vince Camuto  |  BAG: 3.1 Phillip Lim c/o Walin & Wolff (similar here and here)

Welp, ’tis officially the season to begin hoarding boots of all varieties.  I’ve posted several of my favorite boots in the past, and by now, I thought I had pretty much seen ’em all.  Several weeks ago, Walin & Wolff (basically my new shoe/bag/accessory shopping obsession) reached out and urged me to try their Aquatalia boots.  Now, I don’t just post any old (or new) thing on here, so as always, when approached by a brand or product I’ve never tried before, I insisted on test driving these puppies before I was willing to give them the old Memorandum thumbs up.

So I did.  I tried ’em.  Ohhhhh did I try ’em.

I went to work in them, I washed my car in them, I slept in them, I started doodling pictures of them in my notebook during work meetings (turns out that was off-putting to my professional counterparts…).  Long story short, these boots are easily the single greatest thing that has happened to my feet this fall… and possibly ever.

Have you tried Aquatalia?  HOW IS THIS HAPPENING?  And how have I not known about this brand before??  First off, they’re easily the most comfortable booties (or boots period) that I’ve ever worn EVER.  Second, they’re WATERPROOF.  And not just the ones I’m wearing!  I guess ALL of their boots are waterproof!

Uhhh… comfortable and waterproof?  Sounds great.  MUST be hideous.

Wrong.

Someone asked in the comments of a post last winter whether I knew of any stylish, yet practical commuting footwear options for sloppy winter commutes.  Well lady, our prayers have been answered.  I can give these suckers an unequivocal two thumbs up.

Walin & Wolff, both I, and my feet, thank you.

This post was produced in collaboration with Walin & Wolff

The post Navy Suede Booties appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

SWEATER: c/o Tommy Hilfiger  |  PANTS: c/o Tommy Hilfiger  |  JACKET: c/o Tommy Hilfiger  |  SHOES: Adidas (also in stock here)  |  BAG: Phillip Lim c/o Walin and Wolff (also here)

Nobody can reinvent American classics like Tommy.  As a nod to his amazing fall collection, I thought I’d wear some of my favorite pieces today in true Tommy form with this menswear-meets-sportswear look: the turtleneck sweater with an athletic crisscross, classic menswear-inspired wide-leg trousers, and, of course, no ménage à Tommy would be complete without sneaks!  Once your commute is over just swap out the sneakers at the office with a pair of loafers (love these) and you’re all set with the perfect work-ready yet très trendy get-up.

P.S. Everything is 25% off or more at Tommy Hilfiger right now! Time to stock up!

The post Crisscross Turtleneck appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

BLAZER: c/o Reiss  |  SHIRTDRESS: c/o Reiss  |  PANTS: Elie Tahari  |  BAG: c/o Reiss  |  PUMPS: SJP Collection  |  BOOTS: Stuart Weitzman (also love this cheaper pair)  |  SUNGLASSES: c/o Stella McCartney (similar here)  |  LIP: Nars

You know menswear always gets me, so this double-breasted longline glen plaid blazer was a no-brainer addition to my fall work wardrobe (argh I love it so much).  The tie-neck shirtdress was the perfect retro counterpart, and was doubly effective in transitioning the look from desk to drinks for me.  While the shirtdress may actually be long enough for some of you lucky petite ladies to sport at the office, it was way too short for me.  Therefore, I threw on my favorite tapered black ankle-length dress pants and heels during business hours, and then had these over-the-knee boots waiting in the wings for my day-to-night switcheroo.

P.S.  A newly updated Shop page is waiting for you here.  I added a fresh batch of my favorite fall items and even some gift ideas as I start to think about ze holidays. YIKES, is it really almost November?

The post Day to Night: Glen Plaid Blazer and Tie Neck Shirtdress appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

TIP #1:  SET A SCHEDULE

At the beginning of the week set a workout schedule.  I’m not talking about saying to yourself, “Ok, I’m going to workout three times this week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday after work.”  I’m talking about pulling up your iPhone calendar (or whatever you rely on) and actually inputting a 60 minute time slot into those three days at specific times.  Throughout the week as things come up, this will allow you to schedule and plan around your workouts.  If I have a workout on my calendar and my girlfriends text me to grab drinks I’m able to say, sure, I’m free after 7:30!  And stick to that 6:00pm run.

If I just say loosely “I’m going to exercise after work tonight” it’s so much easier to get distracted by all of the other things in my life—work, social events, TV shows that I’m binge watching, google image searches of the royal babies—important things that come up throughout the day and cause me to completely forget that I had a workout in mind.  Honestly, simply forgetting to workout is often my biggest problem.  I get caught up in life and work and all of a sudden it’s midnight, I’m going to bed, and I realize I completely forgot I had planned on working out.  If I had scheduled a workout and it was on my calendar (with a reminder set), I probably would have allocated my time differently during the day to stick to a more efficient schedule.

How many of you just google image searched the royal babies? ; )

If you’re a morning workout person, you especially have to do this—get it on the calendar and commit.  If you allow yourself to decide when you’re going to bed at 11:30pm (or when your alarm clock goes off at 6:30am) the likelihood that you’ll make an excuse and sleep in is so much higher.  The excuses I’m able to weave in a semi-comatose state when my alarm sounds at 6:00am and I’m supposed to decide whether or not to workout that morning are nothing short of extraordinary.  If you have it on your calendar and you’ve already decided (and better yet, prepaid for a workout class maybe?), you’ll be able to plan ahead so you can get to sleep earlier the night before your workouts and in the morning, there’s nothing left up in the air… except for a few expletives when you’re heaving yourself out of bed.

TIP #2:  FIT IN SHORT WORKOUTS & MIX IT UP

Ideally, we’d all have time to workout for 90 minutes a day, five days a week.  However, let’s face it.  Ain’t. Nobody. Got. Time.  If you know you have a super hectic week where you just can’t make your favorite 90 minute yoga classes, don’t forget that it isn’t all or nothing.  There are easy 10-20 minute workouts that you can do anywhere.  If you can’t schedule those full-blown sweat sessions, still schedule 20 minutes at home where you do a simple circuit of sit-ups, lunges and push-ups, for example.

In general, mixing up your workout routine is not only better for your body, but also better for your state of mind.  Personally, I can be a creature of habit and will sometimes end up doing the same workout class for weeks in a row.  However, after a few weeks I’ll burn out and all of a sudden feel bored of the routine, and eager to make excuses.  To prevent this, find a group of workouts that you enjoy, rotate them throughout the week, and don’t be afraid to periodically throw in a new workout class into your schedule.

Here are the 5 primary workout types that I do:

1. I’ve been a runner since I was young, and whether it’s on the treadmill or the streets of San Francisco, this is my cardio of choice.
2. There are a couple parks and some buildings in my neighborhood that have super long outdoor stairs.  I’m a big fan of a couple sets of stairs at the beginning or end of my run.
3. I love pilates, and particularly love pilates-yoga fusion classes.
4. I LOVE barre method classes.
5. I love Barry’s Bootcamp.
6. I keep 5, 10 and 15 pound hand weights in my apartment so that on days when I don’t have time to get to the gym, I’m able to do some lunges, sit ups, and simple weight training at home on a yoga mat.
7. I love the arm workout you get from bringing a cheeseburger from the table to your mouth.

I know, I know, there’s no spinning on that list.  It’s quite possible that I’m the only girl on the planet that despises spinning classes.  I can’t explain it.  I’ve tried several times and have always despised the whole thing.  Go figure.

TIP #3:  GEAR MATTERS

I spent the majority of the first 18 years of my life either at a sporting event or en route to my next sporting event.  Between that and growing up with boys, I was never big on what I used to call “cutesie” workout gear.  Admittedly, I used to roll my eyes a bit at the girls who show up to the gym in head-to-toe pink lululemon matchy-matchiness.  I was always more of the girl who threw on a pair of old basketball shorts, a t-shirt from an 11th grade tournament and ran out the door.  However, after getting some amazing Under Armour running shirts for Christmas a few years ago, I was shocked at the enormous difference they made in my workout and immediately started hoarding them in troves.  For me, lightweight, breathable fabrics that wick sweat away are among the most prized possessions in my closet.  Below is all of my favorite workout gear:

P.S.  Was this post helpful?  Are there more topics that you’d really like to hear about?  Please let me know in the comments!

The post How To Fit a Workout Into Your Workweek appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

COAT: Charles Gray c/o Nordstrom Rack  |  SWEATER: Lafayette 148 c/o Nordstrom Rack  |  SKIRT: Ann Taylor (old, but very similar here, here and here)  |  SHOES: Cole Haan  |  EARRINGS: Kenneth Jay Lane

A couple weeks ago I had the pleasure of helping to celebrate the opening of the San Francisco Bay area’s latest and greatest Nordstrom Rack store in Emeryville.  I’ve been a Rack devotee since I was a little girl, so let’s just say they didn’t have to ask me twice.  As you can see above, I scored this new favorite grey herringbone coat and the perfect camel cableknit turtleneck to pair with it (love the color combo)… not to mention these grey suede ankle strap heels which you can expect to see on constant rotation here.

I also made out like a BANDIT in their home department which I plan on visiting again soon as I prepare for the holidays and we continue to decorate our home.  My favorite finds were these copper moscow mule mugs (also love these ones) which will be perfect for my favorite wintery cocktails.

Also, if you’re looking to up your boot game for winter, their boot selection right now is BONKERS.  These are the best affordable alternative to the Stuart Weitzman over-the-knee boots that I’ve seen yet.  Check out all of my Nordstrom Rack finds below!

This post was produced in collaboration with Nordstrom Rack.

The post Grey Herringbone Coat, Camel Cableknit Turtleneck appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

 NAVY CULOTTES: Rebecca Taylor (65% off! also available here and similar style here) |  SHIRT: Brooks Brothers  |  SHOES: Steve Madden (old, but very similar here, here & here)  |  VINTAGE SCARF: Versace (similar options here)  |  BAG: Phillip Lim  |  WATCH: Daniel Wellington  |  SUNGLASSES: Stella McCartney

Culottes, a button down, and neck scarf: basically, my go-to fall uniform in recent weeks (see evidence here of yesterday’s spin, sans scarf).  I know culottes are polarizing, but they’ve remained my absolute favorite four-season staple in recent years.  Pair with tanks in the summer, chunky knits and tights in the winter, dress them up, dress them down, wear them to work, wear them out… there’s no game they can’t play.

The post Navy Culottes, Vintage Scarf appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

 DRESS: Michael Kors  |  SCARF: Marc Jacobs  |  BOOTS: Dune London  |  SUNGLASSES: Stella McCartney (similar here)

I have no idea how this black midi dress is still available in every size, but it is, and I’m going to go ahead and call that an early Christmas miracle.  I got a similar version of this dress two years ago and wore it until it quite literally started coming apart at the seams, so was thrilled to finally find this replacement.  It comes with the belt that’s shown above, but you can wear the dress with or without it, or even switch up the look by replacing it with a belt from your own arsenal.  The dress is so amazingly versatile, you can throw on a jean jacket and booties for Sunday brunch as easily as you can amp it up with a festive belt like this one (also love this one!) and some extra bling to make it holiday-ready.

Did someone just say HOLIDAY?  Good lord.

The post Black Midi Dress appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

FRINGE COAT: Ralph Lauren  |  BOOTIES: Steve Madden  |  SWEATER: Trouve  |  JEANS: Paige  |  SUNGLASSES: Stella McCartney (similar here)  |  LIP: Nars (Bansar)

Nothing like a coat with a little extra “zip” (as my mother would say) to turn your basic black outfit into something not so basic.  In this case, the elusive “zip” comes in the form of front-framing fringe and the flowy draping of what’s been the perfect blanket coat in which to wrap myself as days become increasingly chilly here in San Francisco.

I threw on some brown leather booties to mirror the brown leather tab closure in the front, thereby appeasing my chronic compulsion for some element of matchy-matchiness, and further breaking up the black monochrome.  Two birds, one stone.

With the November chill finally here (and an impending trip home to Wisconsin for Thanksgiving… yesssss!!!), I’m in dire need of a winter coat refresh.  Below are the ones I’m currently eyeballing.  Any favorites?

Many of these coats come in multiple colors, so if you spot a style you like, clickety-click for more color options ; )

This post was produced in collaboration with Nordstrom.

The post Grey Fringe Coat appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

 SWEATER DRESS: French Connection (40% off!) |  BOOTS: Stuart Weitzman (affordable options here, here & here)  |  JACKET: old similar here  |  NECKLACES: c/o Melinda Maria (here & here) |  BAG: c/o Reiss  |  SUNGLASSES: Stella McCartney (similar here)

 You may recognize today’s sweater dress from this post a few weeks ago when I styled it for the office with a shirtdress layered underneath (because you’d probs get fired if you wore it like I did today).  Earlier this week I re-styled it for some après-work activities and thought I’d share the look today for a little day to (finally) night remix.  Whether it’s layered over workwear pieces, paired with over-the-knee boots, or worn over leggings and sneakers, this dress has all the chunky, loose-fitting relevance to be my go-to all season.  Oh, and it’s now 40% off.  Holy #saleMEMO, das good.

Happy Friday!

P.S. Speaking of sale memos, literally everything in Wednesday’s post featuring my new favorite black midi dress is on crazy sale at Nordstrom right now during their Fall Clearance Sale!

P.P.S. Whew you guys act fast!  The black midi dress is sold out at Nordstrom now, but is still available in a bunch of sizes here (and is on major sale)!

The post Day to Night: Sweater Dress appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

Back by popular demand, I’m kicking off this week with a reprise of my ultimate guide to work bags! Regardless of your budget level, below I’ve amassed all of the best totes out there for the working girl.  Many of them come in several different colors, so click away on the styles you like to check out even more options.

ALSO, if you enter via the rafflecopter widget at the bottom of this post, you just might win a Longchamp bag in the color of your choice.  I’m giving away THREE!  And, there are about 17,000 colors available (sliiiiight exaggeration), so get pumped.

How’s that for a kick in the pants, Monday?

I’ve had a ton of great work totes over the years, but the one bag that’s been on constant rotation from college to now is the ever-popular Longchamp Le Pliage tote.  These bags look great and truly wear like iron, so I thought they were the perfect bag to give away today!

Also, as an aside, I’ve gotten into the habit of folding up a Longchamp (because you can do that… they literally thought of everything) and throwing it into my suitcase whenever I’m going on a long trip.  I love having an extra tote bag on the off chance (or very likely chance) that I leave the destination with more stuff than I had when I arrived.

…becuase I like to shop.  Not because I’m a robber or because I steal stuff out of hotel rooms.  Let’s just be clear on that.  I feel like I probably could have phrased that in a less sinister way…

Check out the below quick rules and then head on down to the rafflecopter widget for all of the ways to enter!  The giveaway is on for the next five days, ending this Friday, November (dun dun dunnn) 13th!  As you will notice, you get entered twice for filling out the survey, following me on instagram, or signing up for Memorandum emails!  I should mention that in one week from today (!!) I will be sending out my preeeetty epic (woa, easy, conceited) Holiday Gift Guide exclusively to my email subscribers.  I’ve also recently overhauled my email content, so you guys are in for some good stuff!

Longchamp Le Pliage Tote Giveaway Rules of the Road:

• Using the Rafflecopter widget below, you can enter your name into the raffle up to ten times.
• The giveaway closes at midnight this Friday, November 13, 2015.
• Three winners will be selected at random from qualifying entries through Rafflecopter.
• Each winner will receive a Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote in the color of their choice.
• Winners will be notified within 48 hours.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In case you missed yesterday’s post which includes my newly updated Ultimate Guide to Work Bags, I’m giving away a Longchamp Le Pliage Tote to three lucky readers this week!  It’s super easy to enter, just pop down to the rafflecopter widget below.  I should mention that a few of the entry options on the list (including filling out this quick survey and signing up for Memorandum emails!) are “two for the price of one” and will enter your name twice into the raffle!

Sooo who cares about emails?  Well, if you sign up for Memorandum emails you’ll be the first to receive not only new posts straight to your inbox but you’ll also be the beneficiaries of some preeeetty sweet (if I do say so myself) email-exclusive content.  Exhibit A: The 2015 Holiday Memo which will be sent out exclusively to email subscribers in just six days from today!  I created it this year because I know that balancing work and life around the holidays is beyond overwhelming, often leaving very little time to search endlessly for those perfect, thoughtful holiday gifts.  When in a last-minute PANIC last Christmas, I tried to rationalize giving my brother a sweater… actually, his own sweater, that I had borrowed and never returned a year prior.  (Ahh but would he have even noticed?? NOT THE POINT, MARY.)  That level of last-minute desperation is not OK.  Thus, I thought probably one of the most helpful things Memorandum could offer all of you this season is a really high-quality, concise list of go-to items for everyone on the working girl’s holiday shopping list.  I’ve spent months amassing my very, very favorite items and recommendations, and am super pumped to share them with all of you!

The 2015 Holiday Memo will also contain some fun stuff including a few of my favorite holiday traditions, a couple secret family recipes, and some other festive holiday content in addition to those dynamite shopping guides.  If you’re signed up for emails, you’ll get a full week to peruse the guide before it’s posted here on the blog.  Last year, several items from my shopping guides sold out crazy fast, so sign up for my emails here to get early access!

As for that lovely survey below… I was so excited to make this because I’m really eager to learn more about you guys and hear more about what you’d like to see on Memorandum in the future. I get emails all the time from many of you with different content requests, and I thought it might be nice to get to know even more of you, and open things up to the broader audience who may not always think to shoot me an email with questions, comments or requests.  I SO appreciate those of you who have taken the time to answer the survey already!  It’s been really fun to hear more about your exciting lives and plan some juicy upcoming blog posts accordingly : )

  SWEATER: c/o Tommy Hilfiger  |  SHIRT: Equipment (affordable option here)  |  PANTS: Zara (old, but similar here & here)  |  SHOES: Jimmy Choo (affordable option here and more here)  |  NECKLACE: c/o Melinda Maria

For a recap of the rules, check out yesterday’s post here!  Happy Tuesday!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SKIRT: Glamorous  |  SWEATER: Theory  |  SHOES: Topshop  |  COAT: old similar here, here & here  |  SUNGLASSES: Stella McCartney (similar here)  |  LIP: Makeup Forever

I’ve been on the hunt for a lace-up pump with a heel height that I could actually stomach for a nine-hour workday and am thrilled to have finally found these Topshop beauties which certainly fit the bill.  I lasted all day yesterday in them without a hitch.  Also, the laces are stretchy, so move with your ankles and don’t create any sore spots.  All good things!

I should also note that the sweater I’m wearing (which I love and is massively on sale at Nordstrom Rack) has full-length long sleeves.  In the photos, I just decided to roll them up… because I’m crazy like that.

If you’re just tuning in this week, I’m giving away three Longchamp Le Pliage totes to readers that enter via the rafflecopter widget below!  For a recap of the rules, check out Monday’s post here.  Happy Wednesday!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NAVY SHEATH DRESS:  Vince Camuto  |  LEATHER JACKET: c/o Bernardo (on sale! also here)  |  SHIRT: Brooks Brothers (these are the BEST non-iron shirts and currently on sale!)  |  NECKLACES: Gorjana here and here  |  SHOES: Jimmy Choo (similar here and here)  |  SHEER NYLONS: Nordstrom  |  SUNGLASSES: Retro Super Future c/o Ditto (use promo code “MEMORANDUM” for one month free rentals!)

As temperatures drop, I still cling to my sleeveless and short-sleeve sheath dresses like Taylor Swift to a VMA microphone.  If you’ve been following Memorandum for a while, you know that I layer button downs under dresses like it’s my job to extend their lifespan into cooler weather.  Today, I amped up the edgy, retro angle with these round sunglasses and brown leather moto jacket—which, by the way, is currently on sale!

Have you guys checked out all of the fall sales going on right now?  Nordstrom (always my go-to) is going bonkers with their sale, and I’m on the verge of purchasing this PERFECT black dress.  Check it out before the sale ends this weekend!

If you haven’t entered the Longchamp giveaway that’s happening this week, check out the Rafflecopter below!  I’m giving three lucky readers a Longchamp Le Pliage tote in the color of their choice.  You can read all about the giveaway here and here.  It ends tomorrow at midnight so giddy-up!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DENIM DRESS: Kut From The Cloth  |  PLAID PONCHO: c/o Kate Spade  |  BELT: Ralph Lauren (old, similar here, here, & love this one)  |  SHOES: Saint Laurent (similar here, here & here)  |  SUNGLASSES: Stella McCartney c/o Ditto (similar here, use promo code “MEMORANDUM” for one month free rentals!)

Happy Friday!  Today is the LAST day to enter the Longchamp giveaway so make sure you’re entered in the below Rafflecopter before it all ends at midnight!  I’m giving away Longchamp Le Pliage Totes to THREE lucky readers in the color of their choice and will be announcing a winner on Monday.  Fingers crossed!

ALSO, in case you missed Tuesday’s post, everyone who is signed up for Memorandum emails will receive exclusive access to my 2015 Holiday Guide on Monday as well!  Whew SO many good things on the way.

Until then, kick back, relax and enjoy the KILLER fall sales (that end on Sunday) happening here & here.  Holy smokes.  That makes for a good weekend.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Today is the last day of the Boomingdale’s Friends and Family Sale in which almost everything sitewide is 25% off!  Above are some of my favorites from the sale, but there are tons more, so get crackin’.  Just don’t forget to use code ‘HOLIDAY‘ at checkout!  Happy Sunday!

It’s officially THAT time of year again!  Dun dun dunnnnn…

I have tons of preeeetty fun holiday content coming down the pike, and today I’m kicking it off with my guide to holiday gifts for coworkers!

After looking at the above graphic, you may ask, Gee, Mary, why does there appear to be a page number there in the right-hand corner?  That’s because this is a sneak peek at page eight of the 2015 Holiday Memo that is being emailed out exclusively to Memorandum’s email subscribers tonight!  If you want early access to the rest of the guide before it’s published on the blog next week, you can sign up here and receive the whole thing straight to your inbox.  The 2015 Holiday Memo is filled with some of my favorite festive outfits, a few of my family’s Christmas traditions, and (duh!) all of my the best gifts for everyone on your list!

But back to gifts for your coworkers real quick…

Just like office attire, holiday gifts for coworkers always depend on the industry, company culture and individual.  I’ve worked in some offices where it’s super weird to get your colleagues holiday gifts, and in others where it’s super weird if you don’t.  Regardless of where your workplace lands on that beautiful spectrum of weirdness, above is my list of your best bets in showing your colleagues a little holiday appreciation.

When evaluating coworker gifts, be thoughtful about not only what the person might like but also what their professional relationship is to you.  You may want to strike a different tone depending on whether the gift is for your boss versus a peer versus an employee.  Ideally, the goal is to show a little holiday appreciation while simultaneously steering clear of any Love Actually-style awkwardness.

…particularly because that situation made Emma Thompson cry, and NO ONE MAKES EMMA THOMPSON CRY.  But, I digress.

Whether it’s a “please don’t torpedo my year-end bonus” gift for a boss, an “I wish you would stop whistling and start showering” gift for the creepy dude in accounting, or a “thanks for bringing me gatorade the morning after last year’s holiday party” gift for a great friend at work, there’s something for just about everyone!

If you have any good gift ideas for coworkers that I’ve missed, please share in the comments below!   Happy Monday!

SKIRT: ALC  |  BLOUSE: Gat Rimon (40% off!)  |  COAT: old similar here  |  SHOES: SJP Collection  |  BAG: Henri Bendel  |  EARRING: Majorica  |  LIPS: Nars (Bansar)

Today’s holiday-inspired look is perfect for festive days at the office (perhaps your work holiday party?) and is featured in my 2015 Holiday Memo which was emailed out exclusively to email subscribers Monday night!  Huge thanks to so many of you who have commented or sent sweet emails about it.  I’m so thrilled that you enjoy it, and I’m really excited to share it with everyone else next week here on the blog!  In the meantime, if you’d like to get a sneak peek early as well, sign up here and receive the holiday guide straight to your inbox!

ALSO, a huge thanks to everyone who entered the Longchamp giveaway last week!  Katie P., Caitlin D., and Jennifer F. are the lucky winners and their Le Pliage totes (in navy, navy and red, respectively) are well on the way to their new homes!

  SWEATER: Halogen  |  PANTS: Theyskens Theory (similar here, here and here)  |  JACKET: Brooks Brothers (affordable option here)  |  SHOES: Everlane  |  BAG: Henri Bendel  |  LIP: Nars (Bansar)

I get asked all the time about “staples” for the working girl.  In response to this question, I usually respond with “a bottle of chardonnay and a reliable wine opener.”  The rest is gravy.

However, gravy is delicious.  So, we should probably take a quick sec to talk about that gravy, or rather, the more wardrobe-specific staples every working girl needs.  Soon here on the blog, I’ll be sharing my full list of professional wardrobe essentials, but after wearing the above outfit a few days ago and marveling at the near-perfect condition of my three-year-old camel hair blazer that has been worn more in those three years than practically any other single item I possess, I thought it deserved a moment of its own.

I was somewhat unsure about the splurge when purchasing this blazer a few years ago, but it very quickly proved to be one of my best investments EVER.  It goes with absolutely everything, can be easily dressed up or down, and, as evidenced by the fact that they still sell it year after year, is a timeless classic.  Thus, I’d throw this one wholeheartedly on the working girl “staple” pile, especially for those of you in northern climates.  Can’t recommend it highly enough!

But seriously, I wasn’t kidding about the wine…

SLIP DRESS: ASTR  |  LONG CARDIGAN: Halogen (similar here & love this one)  |  SHOES: Topshop  |  SHORT NECKLACE: Rocksbox  |  LARIAT NECKLACE: Gorjana  |  EARRINGS: Rocksbox  |  RING: Rocksbox  |  SUNGLASSES: Ray-Ban  |  LIPS: Nars (Bansar)