Monday {Accessorizing} Workwear

I continue to look for ways to freshen up my standard workwear uniform. A consistent trend throughout the waterfall of fashion weeks was the over sized clutch.



After hauling a bucket bag around all winter it's time to spring clean down to the very basics - and a clutch that holds my laptop and a handful of essentials could be the perfect fit!

What do you think, would you carry a clutch to work?

Happy Monday luvies,
*Mrs. E

PS - Have you entered the Joss & Main giveaway? Get all the details here.

clutches 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Ain't She Sweet

With day light savings time just around the corner, that must mean spring is too, right?! Please say yes.

Well, regardless, better to be prepared than to be caught buried under nothing but wool sweaters when the warmer temps finally arrive. That's where Raoul comes in.

Stock up on the shorts, wedges, blouses and sherbet inspired-color palette from the line's new spring looks and you'll be beyond prepared for when the time is (finally!) right.

Monday {For Your Hair} Workwear

I'm a big fan of accessorizing to separate your look from the pack, but I never think of my hair style as an opportunity to do that - but I'm realizing it's a totally untapped resource! Instead of the same-old, same-old, I'd love to introduce a fresh new look into my dailyhair routine.




From soft round waves to that fab fishtail side braid, there's got to be a workable option out there for a hair novice like myself.

If, like me, you need a little more detailed instruction to pull off a new look, the lovely Emily and darling Anna provide easy to follow tutorials that will help you look salon-styled in no time!

Happy Monday luvies,
*Mrs. E

images via 1/2/3/4/5/6

Style Gawking {Casual Cool}

Apparently, I'm stuck on laid back looks right now. {Maybe it's because I have a little min-vacy on the horizon. But more on that later!}

I think this may have to be my new spring uniform, sassed up slightly with a few accessories and sky-high heels, of course.



I could happily live is blazers, white leg extending trousers and the minimalist color palette for the next three months.

Who's with me?!


streetstyle via unknown {eek!}, vanessa mooney necklace, fabric & handle bag spotted on seesaw design, oliver theyskens for theory wedges, ruby olive resin ring

Monday {Keep It Easy} Workwear

On Monday mornings you've got more than enough on your to-do list , right? A major wardrobe choice should not have to be one of them.



Make life easy by pairing a classic tee and a simple trouser with a dash of one of spring's hottest colors. I'd happily take a little hit of my coral and call it good to go.

Happy Monday luvies!
*Mrs. E

images via style.com and brown dress with white dots

Monday {Don't Mess with the Dress} Workwear

Though I trend towards pants, virtually everyday, I must admit that I get a good rush when I step out in what I know is a good looking dress.



The Spring 2011 collection from  Edelweiss by Sarah would kickstart the week! I love the perfectly placed hemline, practical pockets and spot on color palette.

If that's not enough to convince, her just debuted Fall 2011 collection is just as sassy - as you can tell from the video lookbook!




I hope you have a rockin' week luvies!

Cheers,
*Mrs.E

Monday {Full of Prep} Workwear

I'm just now making my way through the first set of Fall RTW 2011 shows, but I'm picking up a distinctly preppy vibe...


mulberry, proenza schouler, marni & jason wu all via style.com

And I'm totally loving it. Geek-chic, skinny belts, school girl skirts, and immaculate trousers. Done, done, done and done. I'll take the sparkly Jason Wu for good measure.

Happy Monday luvies!
*Mrs. E

Monday Workwear {Craving Camel}

images via unknown {emily is that you?}, miss moss and net-a-porter

Because really, there's nothing classier, wouldn't you agree? Supple, luscious and oh so refined.

Thank you Stella, Alexandre, Chloe and Michael. Don't mind if I do.

Happy Monday luvies,
*Mrs. E

PS. Curious about my Monday workwear? I've started sharing my workwear looks on Twitter. You can take a peak here!

Monday {Black & White} Workwear

Some Monday mornings just need to be kept simple. There's no better way to streamline things than with a monochromatic color palette.




images via vanessa jackman and casa sugar

Or, combine the black and white and  guarantee your week will start off on a good foot.

Here's to a no muss, no fuss week luvies.

Happy Monday!
*Mrs. E

My Alt Summit {Sartorial Sightings}

I promise I'll try to keep my gushing about Alt Summit to a minimum, but I had to recap a few of my favorite things about the experience ~ the first of which was the conference fashion ~ I'm sure you're shocked.

When you're surrounded by 400 incredibly talented bloggers and creatives from all around the country, you've got to bring your fashionista A-game. And let me tell ya, this was one good lookin' crowd. I, of course, immediately zeroed in on the exceptional footwear. I had eye candy for days!


center image by janie, images by me and via flickr

I also thought I'd give you a sneak peak into my Alt uniform. Apparently, I was very into black bottoms! And sky high heels, but that's a no-brainer. I did wear almost every single pair of the seven shoe options I brought. Is there such a thing as Shoes Anonymous?


iPhone photo skills by roomie caitlin flemming

Look 1: Zara tuxedo jacket, JCrew top, Citizen for Humanity jean, Acne Vega pump
Look 2: Anthropology top, black shorts, Acne Vega pump
Look 3: Michael Kors top, Theory cashmere vest and t-shirt, Zara trousers, Dries Van Noten pump
Look 4: Unknown top, Club Monaco trousers, Report Signature peep toes, Loft necklace

Fabulous fashion was only one small component of the amazingness that was Alt. Recaps are popping up all over. The Twitter stream is still going strong at #altsummit too.

And stop by later this week - I'll be sharing some more pics and my best blogging takeaways!

Monday {Keep Warm} Workwear

My recent jaunt to Salt Lake City for Alt Summit (a round of recaps coming shortly!) was equal parts fabulous and chilly! An afternoon excursion to Park City left my toes frozen for hours.

Any of these cozy looks certainly would have helped keep me warm!




images by michael thompson via the fashion spot

And they would have helped me fit in nicely with the fashionable crowds swamping the city for Sundance!

I hope you have a toasty week luvies.

Happy Monday!
*Mrs. E

Monday {Be Bold} Workwear

Just because you're at the office doesn't mean your look needs to be totally boring serious.You can take a cue from the Balenciaga Pre-Fall 2011 collection (a designer that is growing on me all the time!)


images via style.com

You can take classic pieces like a pencil skirt, blazer or black cowl neck and pair them with a daring print, strong color, or unconventional accessory to stand out from the crowd.

I love the idea of making a statement without having to say a word!

Have a great week luvies.
*Mrs. E

Monday Workwear {Widen Your Horizons}

I realize the skinny is now a beloved wardrobe staple and I certainly won't be throwing mine away anytime soon, but I'm going to put them up on the shelf for awhile. New year, new look. It's time to open thing up a bit!


images 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,

Of course, a few best practices still apply. The look require for floor skimming lengths so be sure to pair them with the appropriate heel.

But don't be afraid to go big! Have a great week luvies.

*Mrs. E

Happy {Play Hookie} Monday

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY!

Hi dearies. How is the new year treating you thus far?


image via sacramento street

I'm rather happy because I've got an extra day off to play today and I plan to make the very best of it!

But I couldn't just leave you hanging luvies ~ I had make sure your new year is off to the best start too, and what better way than with a GIVEAWAY!


earrings similar to those shown

One lucky reader will win a pair of stunning hammered hoops from beloved Apartment 34 sponsor, Wendy Mink Jewelry.

To win, simply leave a comment about your New Year's Resolution on this post! Tweet the giveaway or post to Facebook for an extra entry.

This one is a quickie - a winner will be announced on Tuesday, January 4 at 12:00 pm PST!

Happy Monday and Happy New Year!
*Mrs. E

Monday Work Wear {The Best of 2010}

With how quickly this jam-packed year flew by, for the final week fo 2010 I thought I'd look back over the 365+ posts and pick my very favorites. It's interesting to look back and see how perspectives, personal tastes and trends evolve (or stay exactly the same) over the course of 12 months!

Throughout the week I'll be bringing back my top work looks, taste treats, wedding inspiration and crushes. Because when a fresh start presents itself, its wise to remember the old before you start the new.

I hope you enjoy walk down memory lane!

Best of Monday Work Wear 2010
There are definitely some consistencies in my preferred work wardrobe. Menswear, power shoes, a love of Zara, looks that turn heads and makes you feel great at the same time.

But I think the post below, inspired by our honeymoon in Italy, really captures my workwear mantra: make a statement, make a mark, make people stand up and take notice, because really, what's the point of getting up every Monday and going out into the world other than to make your individual impression on it!

spotted on haute design, images by jak & jil

Original post: These looks spotted during men's fashion week in Milan are right up my alley. Giovanna is a classic and those shoes - need I say more?! I think my fashion is going to influenced by Italy for quite some time.

I hope you head into the new year ready to make an indelible mark luvies.

Happy last week of 2010!
*Mrs. E

Manic Monday

After a weekend of raucous birthday fun I find myself a bit ass over tea kettle this morning luvies.



I promise to be back right after I straighten myself out a bit!

Happy Monday,
*Mrs. E

image via diepparestrepo

Monday {Yin & Yang} Work Wear

Over the weekend a friend about to start a new job asked for advice on her wardrobe staples. While seemingly a simple task, choosing your basics is no easy feat. I suspect most women, like me, dress to suit their mood (or change their mood as needed) and so your basics need to be anything but.

I try to pair my go-to looks with the two sides of my fashion personality:  my mars vs. venus approach to style. Both looks turn heads, but for entirely different reasons. And to have a complete work wardrobe, you really need to be fully stocked for either option.




images 1, 2, 3, 4

The checklist isn't very long: trouser ~ pencil skit ~ blazer ~ blouse ~ cashmere v-neck ~ cardigan ~ peg leg pant, something a-line.

And of course they all need classic, well made, expertly tailored and, at least in my case, always paired with show-stopping heels.

So perhaps you'll keep this in mind when plugging holes in your closet. I promise, when you do, you'll never have to suffer through a Monday morning "what to wear" moment again.

Happy Monday luvies!
*Mrs. E

Monday Work Wear {All About Knits}

With unseasonably cool temperatures I've had to breakout all of my sweaters - but just because you're cozy doesn't mean your look can't be still be sharp and poised.




images via studded hearts, 2,4, {this is glamorous}, unknown, everything fabulous

Paired with a structured belt, a crisp white shirt and the ubiquitous killer heel, you're ready for the boardroom, and the couch (as soon as you get home!)

Happy Monday luvies!

*Mrs. E

Monday Work Wear {Tie One On}

The look has come back around again and again, from the 1920's to the 1970's and yet again today, and still the tie-front look works....



images via pretty stuff, the sartorialist and stockholm streetstyle

oh so well. I feel a new wardrobe staple coming on!

Happy Monday luvies,
*Mrs. E

Monday Work Wear {All in Zara}

We don't have a Zara in Seattle, and as of yet you still cannot shop online  - and yet I still choose to torture myself with their monthly lookbooks - because they are always picture perfect.

You cannot go wrong with blush and black - and did you spy those square heels - love.



You can turn heads in fire engine red.


And this is what I would like as my new office uniform for, like, ever!


all images via Zara

Ah, that coat, the shoes, that bag?! Zara, do you hear me? COME TO SEATTLE!