Out of Practice

Although I was only out of the office for two days, the change in my routine threw me for a loop. Getting dressed was such a chore this morning.  Especially when my wardrobe choices were influenced negatively by my decision to eat ALL of the Christmas cookies that have crossed my path in the last two weeks.  

Shirt: Sweat Pea
Cardigan: ? gift
Jeans: Old Navy
Boots: Eric  Michael 

Happy Holidays

I ran out of band-aids this morning and my vanity would not allow me to show you the bruised, scabby mess of flesh formerly known as my knees.  

In happier news, it is Christmas Eve and I am taking tomorrow and the following day off from work.  This is a big improvement over last year when I spent all of the holidays preparing for a trial.  

Top:  Sweet Pea
Cardigan: J. Crew
Skirt: Forever 21
Boots: Clarks

Not Bad for 6AM

I had two big cases in court today which necessitated me coming in a 6am this morning.  Getting dressed in the dark can often yield unpredictable results but I think I did okay today.  Or at least no one has had the courage to tell me otherwise.  Which is win enough for me.

Suit: United Colors of Benetton via Goodwill
Shirt: Ellen Tracy via TJ Maxx
Shoes: Tahari 

For the Birds

Don't tell the other dresses in my closet, but I think this one might be my favorite.  Comfortable, goes with everything, and it has pockets.  Plus, one time at band camp a training conference, someone said the dress looked nice on me.  

Dress: French Connection
Sweater and Boots: Gap
Tights: Hue

Questionable Taste

I suspect that if I was ever on Project Runway, Nina would question my penchant for prints that look like they could be slipcovers on a sofa in a Miami retirement home.  But I can't help it, I am drawn to prints like other people are drawn to simple black pants or pearls.   

Cardigan: Lord and Taylor
Dress: Mod Cloth
Shoes: Franco Sarto


P.S.  If you are wondering, that is a toy mouse by my foot. 

Lucky

Although my closet is stuffed with clothing - I could not find anything to wear this morning.   I ended up grabbing some things from the top of my dresser and got lucky that the result is sort of cute.  

Blazer: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Sweater: Max Mara Weekend
Jeans: Levis
Shoes: Marc Fisher

Necklace: Jamie Rodriguez via Haute Look

Consequences

Dear Boss:  If you are going to make me work 60 hours a week, you cannot expect me to be very sartorially creative by the end of the week.  Love, your very tired employee.

Top: H&M 
Sweater: Lord & Taylor
Pants and Shoes: Target

Watch Out You Might Get What You're After

I have been looking for a wool Fisherman's sweater for what seems like forever.  Every time I find one it is either too tight or scratchy or unflattering.  Finally I found this one on eBay for super cheap.  Although I initially wanted cream, the black is pretty versatile.  The downside if this purchase?  I want to wear this sweater every day.  

Sweater: Aran Crafts via eBay
Coat: ? (left over from my plus size days but the cut makes it seems intentionally oversized)
Jeans: Old Navy
Boots: Eric Michael (on super sale at 6pm.com)

Press One For Easy

Running late?  Toss on a wrap dress and tall boots (to hide unshaven legs) and a necklace to distract people from your dirty hair. 

Dress: Gap
Cardigan: J. Crew
Boots: Report
Necklace: ? still have no clue where it came from but I'm glad it appeared.

Spot the Differences

I really liked this outfit (age inappropriateness notwithstanding) the last time I wore it.  However, in the interests of variety I made a few subtle changes such as textured tights (see close up below) and a different belt.  

Dress: Thakoon for Target
Boots: Gap
Tights: Hue

The Lady Don't Mind

I needed to get into  work extra early this morning to write a motion so I grabbed the first clothing items I found and  did not take the time to steam my sweater.  Good thing no one uses the internet to see my folly :)

Sweater: Old Navy
Skirt: J. Crew Factory
Shoes: Max Studio

How Do You Identify Yourself

I am going to court to meet some new clients.  Because we have not met we all tried to give some description of ourselves. Attorney A described himself as having grey hair and glasses.  Attorney B described himself as having a shiny bald head.  

I didn't know what to say.  My first instinct was physical characteristics but as I am of average height and build, that seemed unhelpful and open to a lot of interpretation.  I considered hair color but I'm wasn't sure that these men would readily identify "messy dark hair, sprinkled with grey, in haphazard chignon".  I toyed some really obscure things such as - look for the woman with scars on her knees and marks on her calves from her running socks - or - imagine Celine Dion* if she gained 40 pounds and was half Indian.    In the end I resorted to clothing.  Although black suits are pretty much the uniform for many attorneys - I have a bright green coat that should make me stand out in a crowd.  

So how do you identify yourself to others?  

Dress and Blazer:  Banana Republic
Shoes: Jessica Simpson.  



* A long time ago a strange woman in accosted me in a bathroom and told me I looked exactly like Celine Dion.  When I told the story to my staff, expecting them to confirm that there was no resemblance, they all started to agree with the strange woman.  Needless to say, I did not give them bonuses that year.  

On the Go

I will be spending tomorrow and Friday in court, so I decided to make today casual day at work.    Plus after putting in 30 hours of work already this week - I think I deserve a treat.

Shirt: Old Navy
Sweater: Lord and Taylor Cashmere!
Jeans: Levis
Shoes: Target
Necklace: Flea Market in Georgetown circa 1990

Unexpected Fashion Guru

Every year we end up having at least four Christmases.  The first is celebrated at Thanksgiving with my in-laws (who we do not get to see in December).  This year, we implemented a secret santa gift exchange and my Father in Law got me this amazing sweater.   I have been obsessed with open, cozy, cardigans and this one fits the bill perfectly.  He also got me an amazing scarf that I'll show off at a later date.  I have known this man for 20 years and never knew he had such taste.  

Shirt: Gap
Sweater: Gift from FiL
Skirt: Talbots
Boots: Miz Mooz

I Miss My Sweatpants Already

Nothing like  few days off to make you forget how to get dressed properly.  I spent the weekend in my the only pants I can fit into right now sweatpants and it was lovely.  Finding something else to wear this morning was way harder than it should be.  Maybe I should start working from home.  Or petition the Courts to allow a more flexible dress code.  

Dress: Banana Republic
Blazer: H&M
Shoes: Rockport