SHIRT: c/o Jones New York  |  PANTS: Alice and Olivia (similar here & here)  |  BLAZER: Theory (similar here)  |  SHOES: c/o Reiss (also similar versions here & here)  |  SUNGLASSES: c/o Warby Parker  |  NECKLACE: c/o Melanie Auld  |  BRACELET: Kate Spade  |  Lipstick: Bobbi Brown “Red Carpet“

With incredible street art as the backdrop, I kept the ensemble simple today.  Of course, it goes without saying that if you don’t work in a creative environment, the leather pants above would be best replaced by a classic black pant—perhaps in a cropped length like these ones.  The blouse I’m wearing today is truly one of the most-worn items in my closet lately because (a) it’s made of that amazing, invincible non-iron material and (b) I love the slightly boxy, oversized fit.  On the subject of classic non-iron white button-front shirts, I’m curious to know if any of you have a particular favorite.  Many of you have asked what I recommend in this department, so for a classic, fitted non-iron oxford that sleekly tucks into a pencil skirt, I highly recommend the Brooks Brothers versions.  However, for a shirt that’s a little less tailored and snug in the body, giving you that “boyfriend” look, I also highly recommend the above version by Jones New York.  I’ve also heard good things about the Banana Republic and Ralph Lauren non-irons, but haven’t had a chance to try them yet.  Whatever the brand though, I’m fully committed to the non-iron cause.  They wash easier, wear better and stay crisp throughout the day.  All great things in my book.

If you’ve found another non-iron oxford shirt you love, please let me know in the comments!

P.S. The Shopbop sale ends Saturday so be sure to take a gander through their site while everything (literally) is on sale and remember to use code “BIGEVENT15“.  To check out my sale favorites, click here!

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Photography by Melanie Riccardi

JACKET: c/o Reiss  |  PANTS: c/o Reiss (also similar here & here)  |  TANK: Banana Republic (knit version here)  |  SHOES: SJP Collection  |  BAG: c/o Reiss (similar here, here, here & here)  |  CHOKER: c/o Chico’s (similar here & here)  |  POLISH: Essie (Vanity Fairest)  |  LIP: Bobbi Brown (Red Carpet)

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Photography by Melanie Riccardi

DRESS: Vince Camuto (similar here, here & here)  |  SHIRT: Brooks Brothers  |  SHOES:  SJP Collection  |  BELT: Kate Spade (very similar here)  |  EARRINGS: Baublebar (similar here & here)  |  NAILS: Essie (Vanity Fairest)  |  LIPS: Bobbi Brown (Red Carpet)

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The post Spring Ombré appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

Photography by Melanie Riccardi

CULOTTES: c/o Reiss (also love the black version)  |  BLOUSE: c/o Reiss (also love the white version)  |  BAG: c/o Reiss  |  HAT: c/o Reiss  |  SHOES: c/o Reiss  |  EARRINGS: c/o Baublebar  |  NECKLACE: Ann Taylor (sold out but similar here, here & here)  |  SUNGLASSES: Nina Ricci (similar here)  |  LIP: Bobbi Brown (Red Carpet)

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The post Friday Flow appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

Photography by Melanie Riccardi

SHOES: SJP Collection  |  CROP TOP: Vince Camuto  |  SKIRT: Vince Camuto  |  WATCH: c/o Daniel Wellington  |  BRACELET: Kate Spade  |  SUNGLASSES: Prada (similar here)  |  RINGS: c/o Melanie Auld (similar here & here)  |  LIP: Dior (Garden Party)

This week on Memorandum is all about refreshing your spring footwear game.  Today’s floral pumps by SJP are some of my very favorites.  If you haven’t tried her shoes yet, you’re seriously missing out.  This is the third pair I’ve owned (you can see my take on her “Marlene” pumps here and her “Carrie” pumps here) and I truly can’t say enough great things about the quality, fit and style of these puppies.  Today’s floral “Sister” pumps in particular could not be more beautiful or more perfect for spring.

When it comes to statement pumps like these, I always want to make sure they’re not going to be one hit wonders and spend the majority of their lives on a shelf in my closet.  However, you’d be surprised at how incredibly versatile these SJP pumps are.  Of course, the obvious styling choice is to pair the feminine floral pumps with something equally feminine (and floral) in the rest of your outfit as I did with the color coordinating ensemble today.  However, stay tuned for this week’s Casual Friday post, where I’m going to present the antithesis to today’s thesis by showing how well the shoes can work with more casual, urban ensembles as well.

Until then, grab a couple liters of coffee and throw some sweet shoes at your Monday morning to see if this day doesn’t get just a little bit brighter…

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The post Thesis appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

Click on individual shoes above for product details.  Each shoe comes in multiple colors, so if you spot a style you like, click to see more options!

…because St. Patrick’s Day is about shoes, right?

Continuing this week’s spring footwear theme, I thought I’d share some more of my spring shoe favorites.  I’m a particular fan of these perforated slip-on sneakers.  Last spring, I bought a similar pair and wore them constantly—well into the fall.  For more formal work pumps, I’m in need of a new classic pair of nude heels so these ones and these ones are currently in the running.  I made the mistake of getting a cheaper version about nine months ago, and they started looking haggard after only a few wearings.  Another lesson in “you get what you pay for.”  Otherwise, I just placed an order for these beauties in grey, and can’t wait to style them.  I am, as they say, uhbsessed.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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This post was produced in partnership with Nordstrom.

The post Tuesday Shoesday appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

SHOES: Jeffrey Campbell  |  SKIRT: Topshop (similar here, here & here)  |  VEST: Topshop (similar here, here & here)  |  SHELL: Nic + Zoe  |  EARRINGS: c/o Kendra Scott

I’m a bit of a menswear fanatic, so when it comes to shoes, I would basically wear oxfords everyday if I could.  (My mother just informed me that I am not allowed to wear oxfords to my wedding in August.  Ipso facto, we are currently not on speaking terms.)  But aside from, let’s say, your own wedding, the beauty of oxford shoes is that they can be worn all year round, especially those in a neutral hue like the ones above.  Throw in a a metallic architectural heel and I’m down for the count.

I have to say that my friends over at Nordstrom are bringing the heat when it comes to Oxfords.  Their selection is bananas.  Check out my favorites below…

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This post was produced in partnership with Nordstrom.

The post Oxfords appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

Photography by Melanie Riccardi

SANDALS: Michael Kors  |  JACKET: Vince Camuto  |  BLOUSE: Vince Camuto (also love this matching top)  |  CULOTTES: Vince Camuto (also love the matching skirt here and matching shorts here)  |  BRACELET: Kate Spade  |  CHOKER: Baublebar

In continuation of this week’s focus on spring footwear, I’m featuring another pair of favorites—these black leather Michael Kors sandals.  I love the heeled ankle strap sandals that have become very popular over the past few years (like these ones), but today’s Michael Kors versions jumped out at me as a bit more polished (and practical) with the thicker tapered toe strap—especially for a professional environment.  I have to say that these puppies are among the most comfortable heeled ankle strap sandals I’ve ever worn.  The super soft leather and tapering of the toe strap makes them hug and support your foot far better than the more thinly-strapped versions, especially if you’re buying them with the intention of wearing them for long periods of time (i.e. the duration of a workday).  Of course, it’s important to note that sandals may not be permissible at many conservative offices.  So if this is true for you, I’d swap the sandals out for this pair of classic black pumps (the fit is amazing).

Also, as some of you may remember, I featured another blush pink monochromatic look not too long ago.  In that post, I wore a black shoe as well, and some readers mentioned that they might prefer a nude shoe when paired with such a soft color.  I think a lighter shoe would look great, but personally, I love the contrast between the pale blush pink and black.  To me, the black pairing actually makes the softness of the pink hue pop more, but this is just personal preference and it makes sense that a nude shoe would be instinctive for many.  So it’s up to you.  Either way, we can probably still be friends.

P.S. For those who have asked, the Vince Camuto jacket worn today that is linked to above is, in fact, the same exact color as the top, pants and other coordinating pieces.  For some reason, the color appears darker/more saturated in the picture on Nordstrom’s website, but in person, it’s the exact same “taffy pink” hue.

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This post was produced in partnership with Nordstrom.

The post Ankle Strap Sandals appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

Photos by Melanie Riccardi

SHOES: SJP Collection  |  JEANS: Joe’s  |  SHIRT: Vince (also love this white one and this one)  |  WATCH: Daniel Wellington  |  SUNGLASSES: Ray-Ban

For Casual Friday today, I’m bookending Monday’s Thesis post with a more tomboyish styling of the amazing SJP Collection floral “Sister” pumps.  When investing in a pair of statement shoes like these, it’s always good to ensure that you’ll be able to get some real mileage out of them.  As much as shoes with this kind of “wow” factor are eye-catching, it’s always disappointing when you end up wearing them only once before they sink into the dark recesses of your closet.  The shoes hate it, you hate it, and your credit card really hates it.  However, this week, I wanted to show how surprisingly versatile these pumps really are.  While they can obviously be dressed up as part of a more formal, feminine ensemble, they can also serve as the perfect pop when worn with really simple, even masculine basics.  And, they’re so stupidly comfortable you can probably work out in them too.  So, there’s literally no situation in which these shoes can’t happen.  Except for maybe a funeral or trampolining.  It would be disrespectful.  TGIF, y’all.

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This post was produced in partnership with Nordstrom.

The post Casual Friday: Antithesis appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

Photography by Melanie Riccardi

TOP: DVF (also here) |  SKIRT: DVF (also here and love the dress version here)  |  SHOES: c/o Boden (also come in a lower heel version here)  |  SUNGLASSES: c/o Warby Parker  |  BRACELET: Kate Spade  |  NECKLACE: c/o Ann Taylor (similar here & here)  |  LIP: Bobbi Brown (Red Carpet)

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The post Striped appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

 Shot by Melanie Riccardi

SWEATER: Trouvé (more colors here)  |  PANTS: Trouvé (similar here, here, here & here)  |  PUMPS: SJP Collection  |  BELT: old but similar here  |  BRACELET: Kate Spade  |  EARRINGS: c/o Baublebar  |  PEARL RING: Baublebar  |  GOLD RING: c/o Melanie Auld (similar here)  |  LIP: Bobbi Brown (Red Carpet)

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The post Kelly + Cobalt appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

Photography by Melanie Riccardi

Look 1: DRESS: c/o St. John | JACKET: c/o St. John | SHOES: SJP Collection | BAG: c/o Henri Bendel

Look 2:  DRESS: c/o St. John  |  JACKET: c/o St. John  |  SHOES: Saint Laurent

Look 3: SKIRT: c/o St. John  |  JACKET: c/o St. John  |  SHELL: c/o St. John  |  NECKLACE: c/o Julie Vos

Today I’m thrilled to team up with one of my all-time favorite brands, St. John Knits. Even just last evening I wore to dinner the first St. John jacket that I received almost ten years ago. True to form, it looks just as crisp and beautiful as it did the first time I wore it, and I know it will maintain a prominent place in my rotation for many more years to come. The iconic American couturier’s unparalleled craftsmanship coupled with their ability to create a timeless yet thoroughly modern aesthetic makes wearing their clothing effortless, regardless of the trend du jour.

As a long-time fan of St. John, I am excited to share more favorites from their spring collection over the next month here on the blog (stay tuned for another post in a couple weeks). Additionally, I’ll be posting several more looks exclusively on Pinterest throughout the month, so be sure to follow along here!

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This post was produced in partnership with St. John Knits.

The post Spring Classics appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

 Photography by Melanie Riccardi

BOOTIES: c/o Sole Society  |  BAG: c/o Sole Society (just sold out, but love this very similar one)  |   SKIRT: Topshop (last styled here)  |  SHIRT: Polo Ralph Lauren (very similar here, here, here & love this one)  |  BRACELET: c/o Brandy Pham  |  SUNGLASSES: Ray-Ban  |  RING: Baublebar

 You know I hate the word “bootie.”  And just so we’re clear, I still really hate it.  And yet, I really don’t hate these amazing grey suede numbers.  Alas, in order to properly articulate the majesty of aforementioned footwear, I am forced to rip the proverbial bandaid and say it, nay, put it in the bloody title of the post in an attempt to get over the goose-bump-inducing-and-not-in-a-good-way term.

Come spring, I often have a mental block about boots and their derivatives, quickly ushering them into the see ya next winter, suckers pile. I’m starting to realize the error of my ways, and have newly discovered these booties as not only amazing transitional footwear, but even amazing warm weather options.  The white-washed stacked heel and sole of these particular booties make them especially spring and summer worthy, as they look great paired with white shorts, skirts and dresses—if you’re of the matchy-matchy variety.  I’m currently eyeing up these similar navy versions that have a little bit more of a heel.

The bag depicted above sadly just sold out at Sole Society, but I found this super similar one that comes in both navy and grey.  If its anything like its olive sister, it’s an amazing carry-all tote.  Super lightweight, yet sturdy enough to maintain a nice shape.  All three colors are perfect warm weather neutrals.  Check out more of my favorites below…

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This post was produced in partnership with St. John Knits.

The post Booties and Bags appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

Photography by Melanie Riccardi

Look 1:  CULOTTES: c/o White House Black Market  |  TOP: c/o White House Black Market (similar here)  |  BELT: c/o White House Black Market  |  NECKLACE: c/o White House Black Market  |  EARRINGS: c/o White House Black Market  |  SHOES: SJP Collection  |  LIP: Bobbie Brown (Red Carpet)

Look 2: PANTS: c/o White House Black Market  |  TOP: c/o White House Black Market  |  BRACELET: c/o White House Black Market  |  EARRINGS: c/o White House Black Market  |  SHOES: SJP Collection

Look 3:  JEANS: c/o White House Black Market  |  TOP: c/o White House Black Market  |  TANK: c/o White House Black Market  |  SNEAKERS: Superga c/o White House Black Market  |  EARRINGS: c/o White House Black Market  |  SUNGLASSES: c/o Warby Parker  |  LIP: Bobbi Brown (Red Carpet)  |  NAILS: Essie (E-nuff is E-nuff)

Shifting temps bring a whole slew of new options to the pants department of our work wardrobes. Instead of an icy commute to the office, many of you can now look forward to the sweat factory that will become your subway ride from mid-April to mid-September. Today, I’m featuring three different warm-weather pant options that you can don during the warmer months: sleek black culottes, floral lightweight track-style pants, and slim-leg jeans perfect for that glorious “Summer Friday” dress code that many enjoy. I found all three at White House Black Market, which I recently discovered is a treasure trove of amazing workwear options. So whether you sport the dressy culottes in your conservative office, the floral track pants in your creative job, the jeans in your casual workplace, or a combination of all three, WHBM has your posterior covered. And really, it should be covered. Well, at work anyway.

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This post was produced in partnership with White House Black Market.

The post Pants Perfect appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

^Click directly on the individual products above for more information.

Today I’m sharing some great items that are on sale right now in hopes that a little retail therapy will help you recover from any saran-wrapped toilet seat incidents that may have besieged you on this April Fool’s Day.  In addition to the favorites above, a crazy number of Bobbi Brown cosmetics are also on sale right now, including one of my favorite lipsticks.  Happy hunting!

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The post Wednesday Wishlist appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

Photography by Melanie Riccardi

SHIRT: Burberry (also love it in coral and this similar one)  |  JEANS: AG (also love the similar versions here, here, here & here)  |  BLAZER: J. Crew (similar here, here & here)  |  SHOES: Michael Kors (very similar here, here, here & here)  |  BELT: old but similar here  |  NECKLACE: c/o Gorjana  |  WATCH: c/o Daniel Wellington  |  SUNGLASSES: Ray-Ban

Since tomorrow is a day off for many of us celebrating Easter, I thought I’d do a little Casual Thursday post today, featuring these amazing flare leg jeans, Burberry striped tee and blazer.

Setting aside the fabulous 70s revival that’s happening everywhere and in particular, below my belt today, I want to talk about this glorious t-shirt.  Hear me out on this one.

I used to think that spending more than $25 on a “t-shirt” like the one depicted here was ridonkulous.  But last weekend, when opening my dresser drawer to a proverbial sea of ragged-looking t-shirts, I finally saw them for the cheap chumps that they are (though actually, in this case, I am indeed the chump).

There are few clothing items that I spend more time in than tees like the one pictured above, so I’m not sure why the natural inclination is to skimp.  Would I rather have a few better pieces or a volcano of pilled t-shirts whose necklines look like sad, mangled versions of their former selves after one or two washings?  I came up with two options: (a) I could stop washing my clothing for fear of cheap t-shirts immediately losing shape; or (b) I could stop buying 18,000 cheap t-shirts, suck it up and shell out a couple extra bucks in order to have a few decent-looking basics for many years to come.

It should go without saying that I immediately chose option A.  However, for fear of ostracization from my friends and family not to mention the potential rodent problem that such practices could elicit, I realized that a laundry strike was the less optimal solution.

And thus, I give you this stripey delicious Burberry t-shirt.  It’s so good.

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This post was produced in partnership with Nordstrom.

The post That 70s Flow appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

Photos by Melanie Riccardi

Look 1: JACKET: c/o White House Black Market  |  SKIRT: c/o White House Black Market  |  SCARF: c/o White House Black Market  |  CARDIGAN: c/o White House Black Market (also love this top)  |  NECKLACE: c/o White House Black Market  |  SUNGLASSES: c/o Warby Parker  |  SHOES: Club Monaco (old but similar here)  |  EARRINGS: c/o White House Black Market  |  LIPS: Bobbie Brown  |  NAILS: Essie (Enuff is Enuff)

Look 2:  SKIRT: c/o White House Black Market  |  SHOES: c/o White House Black Market  |  SHIRT: c/o Brooks Brothers  |  BRACELET: c/o White House Black Market  |  SUNGLASSES: c/o Warby Parker  |  SCARF: old, similar here

I can’t think of a fresher, more beautiful spring hue than this mint green. Literally. I dare you to come up with a color that makes you want to dive head first into a pre-Easter peep binge more than the minty magic happening here. White House Black Market is chock full of pieces in this stunning pastel, so check them out while you’re looking to refresh your spring wardrobe. Today, I paired the mint green jacket, scarf and top with one of their classic white pencil skirts, but I also love the color paired with pinks and blues (though probably not together. calm down). As you can see a bit with my fuchsia/red nails and lip color, the green paired with a contrasting color can be dynamite.

The flared leather skirt in look two is another one of my favorites for spring. The color is incredibly versatile, and since leather has dominated spring runways in the past few years, it’s high time you make it happen this season. However, this skirt is one of those amazing, truly year-round pieces. I can see it paired with black tights, boots and a sweater come October, just as easily as I can with sandals and a simple tank on a summer day. As you know, I’m always on the hunt for great workwear pieces that don’t bore me out of my gourd, so I’m thrilled to have found so many new favorites at WHBM. In case you missed it earlier in the week, check out the WHBM pants party that happened on Monday here!

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This post was produced in partnership with White House Black Market.

The post Skirted appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

Happy Monday!  Today I thought I’d share a few snaps recently shared on instagram.  Tomorrow I leave for a couple weeks in Europe for a little work and a little play (well, in reverse order, actually) so be sure to follow along!

The post Insta Update appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

Photography by Melanie Riccardi

Look One:  DRESS: c/o St. John  |  SHOES: Saint Laurent  |  BELT: Kate Spade (similar here)  |  SUNGLASSES: Prada (similar here)  |  LIP: Bobbi Brown

Look Two:  DRESS: c/o St. John  |  SHOES: Vince (also here, here & here)

Look Three: DRESS: c/o St. John  |  SHOES: Saint Laurent

If you read this post last Thursday, you know that I’m slowly but surely (and certainly via the “hard way”) learning the value of the (ever-overused term) “investment piece.” However, finding pieces that are really truly here to stay is a tough thing to tackle pragmatically. When doing the investment calculus, can I really count on the idea that I’ll want to wear this in five or ten years? Also, if you follow me on instagram, you know that I just discovered LITERALLY the best burger on the face of the planet. With that kind of not-so-healthy deliciousness around the corner, is it realistic that I’ll even fit into said investment piece in five to ten years?

Enter timeless luxury KNIT dresses that will weather both my evolving sense of style and size. Victory is ours.

Continuing my collaboration this month with St. John, today I’m featuring three of my favorite dresses from their spectacular spring collection. As always with this brand, each dress manages to be simultaneously on trend, yet completely timeless. If you need more evidence, check out my post from two weeks ago that features additional pieces from the same collection—pieces that still have me in full swoon. Also, be sure to follow along on pinterest where I’ll be posting a few more pinterest-exclusive looks of their incredible spring collection.

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This post was produced in partnership with St. John Knits.

The post Dressed appeared first on MEMORANDUM, formerly The Classy Cubicle.

PANTS: c/o Boden (love the fit of these and LOVE that they come in long lengths too!)  |  JACKET: Buffalo David Bitton (old but similar here, here & here)  |  SHOES: Adidas (also here)  |  BACKPACK: c/o Reiss (similar here & here)  |  SHIRT: c/o Jones New York (also love this one)  |  BELT: J. Crew (similar here)  |  SUNGLASSES: Ray-Ban

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