Last Call for White

Three in a row!  Totally coincidental that we were able to meet up today.  And, as it happens, wearing white like it's going out of style.  Literally.

Shirt: Cerisma / Skirt: Bebe / Jacket: Cartonnier x Anthropologie / Shoes: Michael Kors

Karen says...

I had a sad sense of really needing to wear my whites this week before Labor Day.  And I know nobody even does that anymore.  And I know that I'll probably start wearing white in the second or third week of September, just because I love it.  But still, that was the objective in today's outfit.

And the weird thing is, not only is it casual Friday, it's the last day of Casual August.  I end up wearing something more put-together and work-appropriate than anything else I've done all month.  All I can say is, I was at a creative low this morning (Thursday night merrymaking) and just wanted to wear something comfortable.  It happened to look more worky.  The end.

Shirt: LOFT / Pants: Target / Shoes: Sole Society / Earrings: Macy's / Bag: J.Crew

Paloma says...

It's a scorcher today, folks.  Seriously.  Like, way way too hot.  Anyway, I am dressed accordingly in this flowy white tank top and skinny jeans, but to be honest I wish I was wearing a bathing suit and drinking a margarita in a pool instead. But I kinda always wish I was doing that.

Karen and I have a very exciting project planned for September that we plan to reveal on Monday.  It's going to be a great experiment in using what you've already got in your closet and I am actually pretty pumped about it.  Shaking things up round here!

And in other news: I am carrying a different purse!  Only the second ever time since we started this little project.

Extra Effort

Well aware that we're letting work get the best of us, we were lucky enough to meet up again today!

T-shirt: Target / Skirt: We Love Vera x Anthropologie / Shoes: Target

Bracelets: gifts from my mom / Earrings: Target

Paloma says...

How lucky am I??  I get two days in a row with my beloved Karen.  Seriously love when we can get together, shoot the shit and take a picture. Happy days.

Making use of this fun skirt that I think I have worn less than 5 times total in the 5 years I've owned it.  I think it's because I can't come up with many ways to style it - I only ever think to wear a white or black t-shirt with it.

In other news: it's hot as HELL today.

Tank: Madewell / Jeans: Citizens of Humanity / Shoes: Sole Society / Bag: Madewell / Necklace: Madewell

Karen says...

Well, yeah, I must be in the swell of my "Madewell period."  I was just in the store last night and it took everything within me to not buy another Pretty Woman-type (you know, taupe, polka dots) dress.  But I realized that it is the most appropriate look for me right now - too old to be Urban Outfitters (oh well), too young to... I'm not really too young for anything anymore.  Let's just say, too young to give up.  I think Madewell is the right amount of non-slutty, subtly quirky casual.

Had a cute sweatshirt to go with this but, as stated above, it's hot as hell today.  Was worth every bit of perspiration, though, hightailing it through downtown to see Paloma two days in a row!  

Impulse Buys Going the Distance

Happy day!  Subterranean Mediterranean lunch together, coffee and photo after.  Perfect.

Tank: LOFT / Skirt: Velvet / Cardigan: Penguin / Moccasins: Tory Burch / Clutch: Clare Vivier

Sunglasses: Vintage Christian Dior

Karen says...

Irrespective of anything else going on in my life - which, in fairness, is humming along quite nicely right now - seeing Paloma is like an oasis after the desert.  We obviously talk, in some way, every day, if something's getting posted on the blog, but it felt like an eternity since we talked.  And after a lightning fast lunch of kebabs, coffee, and photos, I wish I could talk to her all afternoon!

This outfit is probably more along the lines of what my office intended for Casual August, instead of the prairie boots and bullshit I've been trying to pull off.  Love these driving moccasins - an absolute impulse buy from two years ago hanging out at Tory Burch.  Then came the fantasies of driving a roadster while summering in the Hamptons.  In these shoes.  Not only did that never happen (as it never will), but I barely wore them.

In a commitment to More White Before the Weekend, here they are, and with the clutch they're a sublime white leather duo.  And perfect to walk in to go meet my pal!

Shirt: Anthropologie / Skirt: Kohls / Shoes: Jessica Simpson / Earrings: H&M

Paloma says...

Ah, a proper picture!  Feels so nice after a week of selfies.

I was on solo parent duty this morning, and woke up late, which meant I had approximately 20 seconds to myself, and 7 seconds to choose an outfit.  Thus, I selected yet another Tremendously Boring Outfit.  However, this one has grown on me over the day - I've never worn this skirt with a shirt tucked in and I really like it.  It's a "fit and flare" skirt with pleats at the bottom which is a welcome relief from the 27 varieties of pencil skirt I usually wear.  It's also an oldie but goodie that I snagged off a clearance rack at Kohls while in law school.  Love when impulse purchases go the distance!

Give It A Whirl

Hoping for the long-awaited chance this week (and last) to get together and take some proper photos.  But busy busy until the end of the month, and the long weekend to follow!  Both experimenting with new looks today...

Cardigan: The Limited / Tank: Old Navy / Skirt: The Limited / Shoes: Jessica Simpson / Earrings: gift

Paloma says...

Wearing a smattering of orange/yellow tones today - love this combo and can't believe I've never worn it before!  Don't even have time to type today.  What else is new?

Tank: Forever 21 / Shirt: J.Crew / Jeans: H&M / Shoes: Enzo Angiolini

Karen says...

Giving this pin a go today, sent to me by Paloma.  We basically are well-acquainted with each other's wardrobes by now and it was easy for her to spot that this was a look I'd dig, and a look I have.  Heh, even did a little copycat sitting pose for the full effect.  Took this shot after work while meeting a friend on Montana Avenue.

I also found a pale yellow nail polish, Revlon Buttercup, that I'm kinda into at the moment.  It's a last gasp for summer!  Going to try and wear some white this week before Labor Day hits us.

Just Add Cardigan

It's Monday.  Time for plain shirts and the add-on cardigan.

Tank: T by Alexander Wang / Cardigan: moda international x Victoria's Secret

Jeans: Current/Elliott / Shoes: Banana Republic

Karen says...

Slouchy and casual in every way, squeezing every last drop that I can out of Casual August.  I call this look, "Back in comfy jeans after a weekend of looking like a tramp in Vegas."  OK, not quite true - I didn't wear anything close to some of the shambolic getups I saw lined up in front of Hakkasan, Marquee, and Light - but I will say, I didn't exactly dress for comfort over the weekend.  This outfit says, Vegas be gone!

Couldn't get the exact photo I wanted, since I conscripted another co-worker to hastily snap this (absolutely no shame anymore), but, it's accurate enough.  Boyfriend jeans, loose tank.  That's all I wanted to wear, but had to add on the tissue-thin cardigan for the office.  Blah.

T-shirt: Target / Pants: GAP / Shoes: Jones New York / Cardigan: Target / Earrings: Forever 21

Paloma says...

I am becoming a very reluctant blogger.  Been busy lately, so that is a large part of it, but man oh man, I just do not care about my clothes lately.  Hence, the black pants-white t-shirt I've got going on today.  Could I get more boring?  Yes, I could.  I actually threw the cardigan on for the pic. In reality I am wearing just the black and white today.  Snore.

Work/Play

Today Paloma is all work and Karen is all play.  And we are dressed accordingly.

Cardigan: Old Navy / Shirt: Forever 21 / Heels: Target / Necklace: Forever 21

Paloma says...

As I continue to slug through mountains of discovery responses, I am dressed in classic Paloma Casual Friday wear - jeans, cardigan, and heels.  I feel like I'm always beating myself up for relying on formulaic outfits (cardigan and pencil skirt, anyone?), and wishing I could be more fashion forward like Karen (I would never be able to pull off her cute striped jersey dress at the office) but today I am embracing it because you know what?  It works.  And I'm comfy.  So there.

Dress: French Connection / Wedges: Merona x Target / Clutch: Clare Vivier

Karen says...

Keeping it simple today, headed to Vegas after work!  Just going to hop on and off a plane in this go-to Friday dress.  I am pleased to report that, having worn it last month, it did indeed shrink just the right amount after washing.

My new co-worker snapped this picture for me.  She heard Steve and I talking about his shoes the other day and said, "You have a blog?" I said, "No..."  But today, I had to come clean.  Well worth her artistic eye!

And now...

Steve's Shoes

Day Five: Maison Forte

Product Placement

If you really love something, wear it!

Shirt: Theory / T-shirt: American Apparel x Pie Hole / Skirt: Forever 21 / Boots: Lucky Brand

Karen says...

I just wanted to wear my Pie Hole t-shirt today.  Stopped by last night and bought a Maple Custard, Mexican Chocolate, Sausage and Bacon, and this shirt.  It's a bit of a deep V, so it really can't be worn on its own.

Cardigan: J.Crew / Tank: H&M / Skirt: The Limited / Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Paloma says...

This stance of mine says "I don't wanna talk about it."  This pic was taken at 4:52 p.m. when I was drowning in discovery and my head was spinning.  Sometimes being a lawyer just ain't fun. 

In other news, had a luncheon today and a work dinner tonight so this outfit has got to carry me through a 14 hour day filled with schmoozing, working, and thinking.  Here's to multi-tasking.

And now...

Steve's Shoes

Day Four: CYDWOQ

Three-Color Basics

If we all still worked together, we'd put together a photographic anthology and entitle it: Firm: The Fashion.  We all have some kind of trinity going on.  Paloma goes white, black, and cognac; Karen goes white, brown, and beige; and Steve goes charcoal, blue, and brown.

Shirt: Merona x Target / Skirt: BCBG / Shoes: Nine West / Bracelets: Forever 21 / Earrings: Forever 21

Paloma says...

Keeping it simple in black, white, and cognac.  This skirt actually has a black sash that goes around the waist (it's that paperbag top look), but I decided to see how it worked with a regular belt.  I think I like it, though I wish I had a pencil skirt with actual belt loops instead -- do those exist??

Dress: Collective Concepts / Jacket: Cartonnier / Shoes: Classiques Entier

Karen says...

Second outfit of the day, meant to double for an in-office day and then an after-work barbecue.  I had court this morning, so I cheated by changing out of my suit.  But that was the usual Theory mess.

This is a little Silver Lake dress I bought a couple of years ago.  I was pleasantly surprised that, after I bought it, I saw it on blogs and magazines and the like.  It channels Pretty Woman at the polo match (brown with white polka dots always does), which is why I added the ladylike white layered jacket.  It should be worn a bit shorter, but I yanked it down to make it work-appropriate.

Steve was kind enough to take the photo.  Blogging for three now.

And now...

Steve's Shoes

Day Three: Kenneth Cole

Autumn on the Horizon

Moving away from bright colors... imperceptibly... and sadly... as fall creeps closer and closer.

Shirt: BB Dakota / Jacket: ecote / Pants: GAP / Shoes: DV Dolce Vita / Necklace: borrowed from Cyn

Karen says...

It's not easy being green.  Three shades of it.  I super love this shirt, but could not photograph it well as a selfie.  It's got a boxy cut and is really great tied at the waist, but you know, that's not really a work look.  And there's something very Magnum P.I. about it that I frankly dig.

Layering three types of green was not any sort of attempt at being fashion-forward.  It wasn't really calculated in any way, and of course I'm not even sure it entirely makes sense.  But I liked the depth as I continued to grab green things around me this morning.  Come to think of it, the palm fronds and the military jacket, I think I am channeling Tropic Thunder today.

Top: Forever 21 / Skirt: J.Crew Factory / Shoes: Banana Republic / Earrings: a gift

Paloma says...

Basic outfit today, once again inspired by Pinterest (see the pin here) - at least as to the general color scheme - I only wish I had some snakeskin shoes to pair with this!

My mind is mush today (drafting mountains of discovery responses will do that to a girl), so I am fresh out of clever things to say. And thus, I won't even try.

And now...

Steve's Shoes

Day Two: Magnanni

A Few Words on Hair

Simple stuff today, and a few comments on how we do hair.

Shirt: Target / Skirt: Express / Shoes: Jessica Simpson / Necklace: Forever 21

Paloma says...

Today I want to talk about my hair.  I hate my hair.  I always have.  It's thin, straight, and completely without any body.  But I really, really hate my postpartum hair.  I lose about half of my hair after giving birth, and then at about the one-year postpartum mark, the hair has really started to grow back so I have this horrid two-inch long second layer of hair all over my head.  It's outrageous, and dreadful to style.  So.  I have thin hair with a bunch of baby hair and frizz.  It's criminal.

The point is, I am trying out new ways to style it, as I patiently wait for my baby hair to grow out and catch up to my regular hair.  This was one such effort, though I don't know how much you can tell from the photo.  I basically just curled it and pinned it back on both sides.  Not sure it really made much of a difference.  I might be forced to chop all my hair off shortly.

Outfit is just a basic one - black with a fun skirt.

Shirt: Jason Wu x Target / Jeans: Mother / Wedges: DV Dolce Vita / Clutch: Clare Vivier / 

Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

Karen says...

I like how my jeans match my Coffee Bean iced coffee.  Other than that, I'm still reveling in Casual August and giving some forgotten pieces a go, like this Jason Wu t-shirt that is super comfortable and super plain.

As for my hair, I have become quite dependent on it as my "thing."  Frankly, I think it's a huge security blanket, as it is for many women who have spent years with long hair and will feel naked or ugly if they lopped it all off.  The funny thing is, there was a time when short hair was totally my "thing," like those layered bobs of the late 90's.  Now, I really believe that, if I weren't doing law, I'd end up being a hairstylist.  I love doing friends' hair, either doing the big beach waves, updos, special events, nights out, or just to try new looks.  And it's that same interest that motivates me nearly every morning to blow it out or run a 1.5-inch curling iron through it.  And I will have it balayaged until the ombre look is completely out the door!  That's been my favorite look so far - edgy, but low-maintenance.

For the last four years, I've been going to Julio Romano.  Nobody knows ombre quite like this guy.

And now...

Here is some bonus material that we will call:

Steve's Shoes

Steve is our friend (and once and current co-worker) who has been talking for days about how he wants to do five days of brown shoes.  Fine, pal, here's a little section just for you.

Day One: Timberland

Secrets Revealed

So... neither of us wear Victoria's Secret that much (the clothes, at least), and today we both are.  Wow.

Dress: xhilaration x Target / Cardigan: Moda International x Victoria's Secret / Wedges: TOMS

Sunglasses: Vintage Christian Dior

Karen says...

Once upon a time, I ordered lots of basics from the Victoria's Secret catalog.  I mean, I was ordering bras by the dozen, so why not throw in the occasional wedges, coat, or sundress?  In time, that love affair ended, and I decided it was better to find basics at H&M and Zara.

However, a good many neutral items hung back, this long grey shirt-cardy being one of them.  It was the right thing to throw on today over this Target sundress (which I love, and which is making its second Friday appearance) during work hours.  After work, it was great for a jaunt to Silver Lake.  However, I didn't let on to any of the hipsters that I was among them in Target and Victoria's Secret.  Apologies, hipsters.

Blazer: Victoria's Secret / T-shirt: GAP / Jeans: The Limited / Shoes: Jessica Simpson/ Earrings: J. Crew Factory

Paloma says...

I wanted to wear these forest green jeans with a white blouse and leopard belt.  However, that plan was quickly foiled.  The white blouse was too short to tuck into the jeans, and the leopard belt was too small to be worn lower on the waist.  FAIL.

This was my second best attempt.  Charcoal tee, black cropped blazer, leopard shoes.  It wasn't until I got to work that I realized there is an oil stain on the pants, and a mystery food stain on the blazer. Sheesh.  Good thing I didn't have any important meetings today.  And good thing it was a selfie day since the crappy photo quality masks my sad stain covered clothes.  :-(

Veni, Vidi, Vici

This is what a winner looks like.

Shirt: Forever 21 / Skirt: The Limited Black Collection / Shoes: Jones New York / Necklace: J.Crew

Paloma says...

Today is a good day. I actually won at the hearing on that motion I've been bitching about constantly for the last two months, which is awesome.  It's always nice to work your butt off and have it pay off.

Anyway, since I had to be in court this morning (for the first time in awhile!), I went for a very classic, chic (maybe even Parisian?) look. Black and white with pearls. Doesn't get more simple than that. Missing in the photo is my suit coat which I wore over the tee for my hearing this morning. Too bad I don't have a gray Chanel boucle jacket to pair with this - that would look amazing.  Maybe in another life.

Shirt: Joie / Suit: J.Crew Super 120s / Shoes: Michael Kors

Karen says...

Er, um, and this is what an even drawer looks like.  An even draw-er.  I, too, had court this morning, thus the need to don a skirt suit.  I, however, was opposing a motion, which ended up in a sort of even draw, the result judges are so inclined towards these days of "no harm, no foul, you two go out in the hallway and work it out and then come back to put it on the record."  

But I am so proud of Paloma.  The result she got was a big win.  Big.  Huge!  (Insert Julia Roberts-type emphasis here.)

Good news is: tomorrow is Friday.  Bad news is: court again!  But you bet I'm going to change into jeans right after.  Oh, you betcha.

Loverly in Lilac

We're both preparing for big hearings tomorrow.  No rest for the... nice girls who work law jobs.

We're three for three this week - today we're both doing lilac with nude peep-toes!  If we didn't work as attorneys in different offices, we should definitely discuss starting a girl band, at least.

Top: Splendid / Jacket: Cartonnier x Anthropologie / Skirt: Bebe / Shoes: Nine West

Karen says...

No time for anything, not even a smile.  I was hustled into this shot by Steve, who was really cranky at the end of the day when I asked him for this erstwhile favor.  

This outfit actually passes for Business August, versus Casual August... anyway, love the short, layered jacket from Anthro that basically goes with anything.  

Shirt: Forever 21 / Skirt: J.Crew Factory / Shoes: Jessica Simpson / Earrings: Handmade from New Mexico

Paloma says...

Nose to the grindstone today.  Good thing I wore something colorful.

All Frills

Best friends forever!  How could it be that we both decided to don our ruffled blouses today?

Top: GAP / Sweater: The Limited / Pants: Old Navy / Shoes: Target

Paloma says...

In the interests of "working what I've got" when choosing outfits these days, today I did two things I haven't done in awhile: (1) I wore a snazzy belt; and (2) I wore these pants. These were/are my "fat pants" - best worn when I'm not feeling my slimmest or when I just want to wear pants that feel like pajamas.

Not sure how I feel about this ensemble, mostly because I have this weird thing about black pants and a white blouse worn together (left over from my restaurant days - makes me feel like a waitress).  But I think the weird ruffly placket and the red belt makes it sufficiently more fashion and less Olive Garden.

Top: Deletta x Anthropologie / Jeans: Mother / Wedges: Merona x Target / Bag: Madewell

Sunglasses: Vintage Christian Dior

Karen says...

I'm totally shocked - though I don't know why I would be - that once again, Paloma and I have dressed similarly without any discussion, planning, knowledge of each other's comings and goings... Sure, we chat on a near daily basis, but these are topics covering diet, Bachelor Nation, Real Housewives, even a little law - certainly not, "Hey, let's both wear a ruffled blouse tomorrow.  Do white and grey with dark pants."

Uncanny!

Other than this miraculous event, my outfit is otherwise unspectacular.  But feels really great walking around the office, and downtown, in jeans and a whimsical blouse.  Another Anthro find, on sale then with an employee discount - retail heaven!

Monday Blues (Literally)

Much is being made of iced coffee this summer, so we grabbed a couple on a hurried break this afternoon.  Wheeee!

Dress: BDG / Infinity Scarf: Topshop / Sandals / Topshop / Bag: Madewell / Bracelet: from Cirrus

Karen says...

Our team was scouting someone to appear on a last-minute court appearance this afternoon, and it was a mini-emergency of sorts because, what to do when it's casual August and no one is dressed for it?  Least of all, me, who a partner jokingly said, "You're wearing your boyfriend's shirt!"  Well, I do not agree with that because no boyfriend of mine would own this denim shirt dress.

Took marvelous advantage of the UO/Anthro staff appreciation weekend with some family friends, one of whom works at Urban Outfitters.  This dress is one of those finds, I've been dying for a chambray shirt dress, what better than to get it 40% off.  Plan to wear it in all kinds of different ways in the months to come (but on Fridays, natch), belted, with a cardy, with some boots, etc.  Paloma made a good point, this would look less like "Sunday pancakes indoors with my boyfriend" and much more worky-casual, if it were belted.

Iced coffee happens to be my current fave accessory.

Top: Old Navy / Skirt: The Limited / Cardigan: J. Crew / Heels: Diego di Lucca

Paloma says...

I'm having one of those rare days where I love my hair, my makeup, and my outfit.  Love when that happens.

This top was another Old Navy purchase that I am very pleased with since it transitions really well from work to play and everything in between. Was all the more pleased with it when Karen complimented it.  I feel like blue is a color that I don't have a lot of in my wardrobe, but I really love it.

So glad Karen and I were able to meet for a picture today to capture this exciting trinity of hair/face/outfit!

Ultimate Casual Friday

Paloma is out and about today, taking meetings in far off places.  But it appears she was able to snap a perfunctory shot to prove our commitment to blog consistency, and having obvious work-life balance.

Both of our photos today look like something out of The Wonder Years.

Tee: Target / Jeans: LOFT / Flipflops: Old Navy

Paloma says...

Yea there really is nothing to say about this outfit except that it represents my commitment to the blog and the effort of cataloging what we wear everyday.  It does NOT represent what I think to be fashionable.  I mean - jeans and a gray t-shirt with flip-flops is the furthest thing from groundbreaking.  It's also the furthest thing from work wear, and is actually NOT what I wore today for work. 

 

All morning I was in lovely Barstow, California (a teeny desert town in between LA and Vegas) doing witness interviews in a back conference room.  Not glamorous.  Anyway, for the interviews I wore these jeans but had on a short sleeve sweater, some pearls, a blazer, and heels. 

 

I was home by 2pm and did some work from home through the rest of the afternoon in this lovely ensemble.  I completely forgot about getting a pic until I was dashing off to the park to meet my husband and older daughter for some late afternoon sliding and swinging.  This pic was taken in my front yard with my phone propped up on my car window.  Again - not glamorous.  But honest. 

Jumpsuit: Coincidence & Chance x Urban Outfitters / Wedges: TOMS

Karen says...

Sorry for all these pictures of office doors.  I had to do another Incredibooth selfie because you only feel so comfortable constantly asking co-workers to snap a shot of your outfit.

This jumpsuit was like, the best $20 I ever spent.  Then getting one in white, the two jumpsuits were like, the best $40 I ever spent.  I mean, I feel guilty wearing them because I have the distinct feeling I'm running around in my pajamas.  But they are flattering and versatile, and really it's just another kind of maxi dress.  So they're perfect, and today is Friday, so I love today.

I started the mat workout for the Tracy Anderson Method yesterday.  I chose this because: 

(1) I am going to Vegas in two weeks;

(2) I don't want to get Insanity-style buff; and

(3) I don't want to get Jillian Michaels-style shredded, and this was the #3 option according to Amazon.

Two interesting observations from the DVD:

(1) She unashamedly references the obviously universal preference for women to achieve "tiny dancer bodies"; and

(2) Gwyneth Paltrow gushes out her testimonial, while using the words "crazily sore," which I guess is OK because she's, you know, Gwyneth Paltrow.

We'll see how this goes.  Or if I can even do it two days in a row.

Unlikely Sources

Our outfit inspirations range from Pinterest to... supermarkets.

Dress: Threads 4 Thought / Shoes: Dolcetta x Dolce Vita

Karen says...

A huge sigh of relief that I can continue Casual August with an in-office day.  This dress, of all things, was purchased at Whole Foods.  You know, the section where they have soaps, TOMS, and yoga clothes.  They happen to have a bunch of Threads 4 Thought dresses there, and I picked one up one weekend when I was just in the mood a long whatever dress.  I'll pay $38 for a dress, but I won't pay that for the pound of South American single origin coffee beans in the next aisle.

The dress has actually been a moderate hit here, one of the (female) partners keeps complimenting on it as I go up and down the hall.  (And in particular, she likes the boots.)  I do not dare tell her I got it at the supermarket.  It doesn't look as casual as it does in the photo (though, certainly, casual for office wear), and has a subtle high-low detail.  Anyway, it isn't the last time I'll pick up a maxi from Whole Foods.  From my extensive maxi dress research this summer, they average $50-100.  When can you ever say you found something for less at Whole Foods?

Top: J.Crew Factory / Skirt: The Limited / Shoes: Target / Necklace: gift from my mom (more NM turquoise, love!)

Paloma says...

Another day, another Pinterest-inspired outfit.  And more yellow!  Today, I vaguely copied this look... basically just borrowing the concept of yellow pencil skirt, striped top, and turquoise jewelry.  But I honestly don't think I would have ever put this combo together without seeing that photo.  Again, Pinterest for the win! 

Shopping Hiatus

It's official - our closets are overflowing with clothing miscellany as a result of binge shopping, retail therapy, summer sales, and keeping up with the bloggers.  This insanity has got to stop.

Cardigan: The Limited / Tank: Wet Seal / Skirt: Forever 21 (Love21) 
Belt: Urban Outfitters / Shoes: Diego di Lucca

Paloma says...

Been feeling uninspired by my closet lately, which usually leads to shopping binges.  However, I am trying very hard to see how long I can go without buying a single clothing item (if I make it a month it will be a miracle), so am looking for inspiration for how to use the clothes I've already got in any way I can.  I've actually been surprised by the combinations of pieces I already own that I've never even thought of. 

Today I copied this recently-pinned outfit, but did a summer version, without the tights.  I've always been wary of wearing black and yellow together (bumblebee), but I actually love how this looks (never mind my grumpy face).  Huzzah! Success!!

In other news, this is my new (albeit temporary) office, as I await my permanent office which is undergoing a remodel.  My new office is sadly lacking in nice furniture but makes up for it with much better lighting.  Still a grainy selfie, but at least its a well-lit one!

Shirt: Madewell / Cardigan: Classiques Entier / Shorts: Ellison / Necklace: Libby London

Shoes: Michael Kors / Clutch: Clare Vivier / Sunglasses: Christian Dior

Karen says...

Boo for blurry!  But Jamie snapped this as hobos and commuters whisked by, as I blocked the point of ingress for the 7th Street Metro stop.

It's true - I've also been trying to curb the retail habit.  Honestly, all the slim felt hangers in the world cannot support me now.  It's constant clothes-bomb in my bedroom, and I no longer have mental stock of what I have.  I never thought I'd say this, but yes, it's true, you can have too much of a good thing.

Like Paloma, I want to see what I can whip together with just what I have.  Casual August remains the perfect forum for it.  These shorts are from Cynthia's recent closet purge.  I don't think even the liberal standards of Casual August allow for shorts, but these are silk shorts that fall like a skirt, so - you know, the hell with it.  Also, if I could do statement necklace + tee shirt every day (for as long as I'm into it), I'd be so happy.

Interesting note - used the Clairol Shimmer Lights shampoo on my hair this morning to bring back some of the ombre, and it worked.  It's meant to take out brassiness and revive color, another good tip in between pricey visits to the stylist.  Can cut the shopping, but can't cut him out, Lord God no.

Hints of Fall

Not to be all Negative Nancy about it (or "Negator," as our pal Jamie likes to say), but this summer is going by way too fast, and it frickin' feels like fall already.  Once again, we both got the memo as we wore our warmer, amber shades.

Top: Stacia / Jeans: Mother / Bag: Madewell / Wedges: TOMS

Karen says...

August 6, and this is the first day I truly feel that I am capitalizing on Casual August.  It feels awesome to wear jeans and wedges to work.  Awesome.

This is a top that is at the top of my Donate list.  I bought it in 2006 at a now-defunct boutique in West Hollywood.  Off the sale rack, and still overpriced.  An interesting knit, faux Missoni kinda top.  Every time I do a sweep, I look at this top, then hem, then haw.  And then it goes back into the One More Try pile.

Glad this top has its nine lives, because a partner on my team complimented it today.  Reminds me to hold on those tops I don't obviously love, but have some kind of je ne sais quois quality.  It's nice to leave a few unpredictable things in your closet.

Cardigan: Old Navy / Shirt: LOFT / Skirt: Merona x Target / Heels: Mossimo x Target

Paloma says...

Well, I'm not a huge fan of my pose today, but my outfit is a classic go-to look that never fails.  Gray tee, black pencil skirt, nude shoes.  All basic, all lovely.  Top it off with a pendant necklace and it looks sorta pulled together, even.  

Its been a weirdly cool August and I, for one, am loving it.  Any opportunity to pull out my cozy soft sweaters is good by me. 

Love Pencil Skirts

Even if they are unforgiving reminders when we're not feeling our best.

Top: Forever 21 / Cardigan: LOFT / Skirt: J.Crew / Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Paloma says...

After a flurry of motion-writing last week, I have a shockingly small amount on my plate this week.  You would think it would feel good to have a smaller workload, but instead I start to get restless.  Seems I am never satisfied.

Speaking of not being satisfied, I feel terrible in this outfit.  It photographed fine, but I think I've put on a few lbs, so this skirt is not fitting me as well as I would like.  Nothing worse than wearing something that doesn't fit right all day - just makes you feel crappy.

Anyway, aren't I a barrel of laughs today?  Sheesh.

Tank: Hinge / Cardigan: Vintage / Skirt: L'Agence / Shoes: The Limited

Karen says...

I was in the office this morning at an uncharacteristic 6:23 a.m.  This means I sort of dressed in a haze, haphazardly yanking things out of my closet at 5:00 a.m.  I wanted to look nice for a client meeting, but didn't want to wear anything too bland since it is Casual August.  (When can I take advantage of it for real?)  Got through the work day but had to call it in before 5:00 - just a leeetle too tired - and by the time I got home, I got around to taking this on Incredibooth.

Picture came out OK, if blurry, but I echo Paloma's sentiments - I could stand to shed a few ell-bees if I am to fit my clothes perfectly.  Maybe I've gone to one too many barbecues already.

Yes, that's right.  That's Ina Garten on the telly.

Easy Breezy

It took a week's worth of heavy motion-writing to get here, but we got our week's paperwork wrapped up, packed up, with a ribbon and a bow on it.

Time for the weekend!  Easy breezy!

Dress: Cooperative x Urban Outfitters / Cardigan: French Connection / Boots: Dolcetta x Dolce Vita

Clutch: Clare Vivier

Karen says...

If I look tired, and more suited for an art walk than Friday at work, it's because this picture was taken right after four hours of solid motion-cranking.  Feels like I had something due every day this week, which... um, sounds about right, I guess, since I'm a lawyer.  Oh yeah.

Happy times, though!  We were able to reunite briefly by the office as Paloma was off to celebrate her husband's birthday.  Oddly enough, this is the newly built Smart & Final next to HQ.  Check that shiny concrete!

These boots.  They're my attempt at the Jeffrey Campbell Everly boots that, in fact, cost three times as much as these Dolcettas.  The boots got mixed reactions at the office, but hey, this place isn't exactly SoHo.

Sweater: J.Crew / Jeans: LOFT / Shoes: Nine West / Sunglasses: Fred Flare

Paloma says...

 

Wow, do I feel light as a feather today.  Motion went out the door and I have a weekend of celebrating to look forward to, complete with massages for two and sushi dinners with friends.  Huzzah!

As for this look, it was truly the easiest and most simple thing I could think of this morning as I hustled to get out the door.  Thankfully, a well-made bright pink sweater always makes an outfit look more pulled together. 

Good/Bad

Good news for Paloma: tomorrow her motion is done!  Bad news for Paloma: that's not today!

Good news for Karen: it's Casual August!  Bad news for Karen: she missed the first day of Casual August!

Shirt: Urban Outfitters / Skirt: The Limited / Shoes: Enzo Angiolini

Earrings: Freshwater Pearl Drops from the Farmers Market

Paloma says...

Oh man, I am zonked. This damn motion I've been working on all week is out the door tomorrow and I cannot wait for it to be done. In the meantime, here's my half-hearted outfit picture.  Thank God the bags under my eyes aren't visible in this grainy selfie.

Top: J.Crew / Skirt: xhilaration / Shoes: Michael Kors

Karen says...

It's finally here - casual August!  What I've been waiting for all year since we started doing this.  I love a reason to wear impractical, trendy outfits to work under the auspices of "Casual August."  I welcome the opportunity to dress somewhat unprofessionally and about five years too young!  Yes!  However, I literally missed the memo and threw on a proper shirt and heels today anyway.

Not to say, having missed the first day of Casual August, that this is entirely work appropriate.  But, it does suit summertime in the working city; and probably shopping through the Plaka area of Athens.

And, the key to getting good outfit snaps in the office?  Wait until everyone has left, and drag your co-worker to the lobby.

Earrings: Target

Unlike Paloma's comment, my tired eyes are quite visible here.  But these $6 earrings need their space, too.