Dress: Diane von Furstenberg

Earrings: Bauble Bar

Nail polish: Butter London Cotton Buds

Sandals: Dolce Vita

Bag: Designinverso

I very rarely recommend pattern mixing.  I know you see it everywhere these days, but so few people, in my opinion, can really pull it off.  Somehow it never looks quite right, and usually that's because the number one rule of pattern mixing is to match your colors.  If you really like the look of mixed patterns, choosing a palette of black and white is one way to not go astray.  Another is to let the clothes do the work for you.  Instead of finding two separates to match yourself, find a dress like this one that has the patterns built in.  That way all you have to do is figure out what you are going to wear with it.  I would wear this one on a night out because the dress is a little short for office wear.  Teamed with strappy sandals and the trend of bright, white nails, it's the perfect outfit for meeting a friend for a drink on the weekend.  

This page from June's Marie Claire is proof that you don't need to wear a lot of color o have a lot going on in your outfit.  Black and white will always be my personal preferred outfit (except when I'm wearing all black).  Nothing is as flattering, classic, or compelling as a black and white patterned coat layered over a turtleneck and pencil skirt, but the options laid out on the page here are not really in the realm of affordable work wear.  

Coat: Vanessa Bruno Athe

Sweater: J Crew

Skirt: Hugo

Shoes: Kurt Geiger

Gel: Bumble and Bumble Gellac

These alternatives are going to let you still eat and gel back your hair to look as sharp and edgy as the model.  The coat even has a leather collar just like the Reed Krakoff coat she's wearing above.  

Top: Vanessa Bruno

Pants: MSGM

Shoes: Andrea Morelli

Eyeshadow: Dior 3-Couleurs Glow in Nude

Lipstick: Rouge Dior Nude Lip Blush in Trench

As we head into fall, I'm feeling more and more monochromatic, but before it gets too cold, we should rely on floaty tops and sandals for a few more days.  These sandals are appropriate for work with a sturdy heel and wide straps.  They'd also transition well into cooler weather paired with colored tights and plaid skirts.  Keeping up with the monochromatic theme, go nude with the makeup as well.  Dior is one of my favorite brands because the shadows don't crease and the lipstick is long-lasting, creamy, and moisturizing.  The 3-Couleurs Glow palettes are complete eyes in one package containing an eyeshadow base, shadow, and liner all in one.  The Rouge Dior Lip Blush is a highly pigmented balm and treatment in one making it ideal for women over 40 who need extra moisture on their lips.  

Faux Leather Jacket: W118 by Walter Baker

Top: James Perse

Skirt: Vanessa Bruno

Watch: Kate Spade

Bag: Burberry

Sandals: Francesco Milano

I feel like this is a back-to-school outfit.  I loved planning for that first day when I was a kid.  Since my daughter has always worn uniforms to school, she's never had the experience of putting together her first day outfit.  When she was pulling together her school supplies and picking her new backpack this year, we talked about creating your own new beginnings.  I love the fall, making New Year's resolutions, and the beginning of spring because all of those times of the year seem like an opportunity for fresh starts and auto-correcting the things in your life you might want to make a little different.  You don't have to wait for those times of the year though; you can celebrate new starts any day of the week, so why not do it with an outfit like this?  I really like the monochromatic color blocking of this outfit and how it's carried out in almost every piece.  The jacket, the skirt, and the bag all carry out the colors in a mix of fabrics and textures.  The entire outfit is made up of soft fabrics, but they have a certain edginess.  To add more edge, you could wear some booties instead of the sandals, or if you need a pump for work, go ahead and switch the shoes out.  Speaking of switching, the sleeves zip off of the jacket.  I'm always excited to find pieces that have some built in conversion factor allowing you to modify the piece and get even more ways of wearing it.

So simple, so comfortable looking, but so pulled together for the office - minus the tennis shoes.  This outfit out of the June/July issue of Harper's Bazaar  has an astronomical price tag but is so easy to recreate with more budget friendly pieces and a shoe that has the same sporty character but won't have the boss looking at you like you forgot something.

Coat: D & G (On Sale!)

Turtleneck: J Crew

Pants: Reiss

Initial Necklace: Bauble Bar

Dagger Necklace: Pamela Love

Belt: Nicholas

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

Ring: Mint Style Mosaic Ring

Shoes: Katie Grand Loves Hogan

Don't skip wearing the belt; for something monochromatic and layered like this, if you don't add the belt, it could come off as too boxy.  You won't be wearing the coat all day in the office, so you want to have some visual contrast to set off the blue.  Another good shoe choice would be spectators giving the outfit another shot of color blocking.  If you would like to buy the ring, you can use the link to contact me directly or use the Buy Now button to the left.

Bag: Nina Ricci

Night Treatment: Kate Somerville

Dress: Paul Smith

Necklace: Wouters & Hendrix

Pumps: Michael Michael Kors

I've been drawn to the Dolce & Gabbana ads lately; you know the ones that look they've been shot in an Italian fishing village.  The beautiful models are seated among the townspeople making it appear that everyone here is born beautiful and ages gracefully into the housedress wearing elders seated in the chairs.  There is a 40s, housedress-y vibe about the dresses the models wear, too, but it's really appealing to me.  I love the cut of the dresses and decided to hunt for one a little more reasonably priced.  This Paul Smith dress has the same sheath cut, length, and 3/4 sleeve as a lot of the Dolce & Gabbana dresses.  Paired with a small straw bag, a slingback that mirrors the retro vibe, and a delicate but edgy necklace, I think I've got it.  I'll be posting a video soon on my personal style blog and my YouTube channel about my first experience with a Kate Sommerville product.  I loved the scrub I tried and now I'm excited to try even more of her products including this retinol night cream.  

It's actually a very simple outfit with a lot of heavy silver jewelry.  If you are feeling it, by all means spike your hair and go for it.

Blouse: Diane von Furstenberg

Pants: J. Crew

Socks: Forever 21

Loafers: Dolce Vita

Earrings: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Necklace: Bauble Bar

Bracelet: Ligia dias

Ring: Jules Smith

Dress: Wallis

Bracelets: Forever 21

Clutch: Issa Collection from Banana Republic

Sandals: Tahari

Necklace: MintStyle JMN0371 

Summer's coming to a close, and although I'm happy about that because I don't like the hot weather, some people are really sad to see it go.  Of course, here in Southern California, it will be warm for a few more months, but if you are someplace with more distinct seasons, and the kids are already going back to school, you might want to fit in one more casual outfit for an evening spent outside.  Sitting on a patio or at a concert in a loose, comfortable, classic dress is perfect, and this tribal print has colors that are great for the fall, too.  You could easily transition this dress with brown tights and flat boots for the next season.  You can channel a little bit of Kate Middleton with this clutch from the Issa Collection at Banana Republic.  Use it here for your date night and then carry it inside of your tote to the office to use during your lunch hour.  I always love an envelope clutch, and this one has a good size, so your wallet will actually fit in it.  With such a bold print, go for more delicate jewelry, but you can still have an arm party with this stack of bangles from Forever 21.  I always pick up inexpensive pieces to stack from Forever 21 and H&M.  The MintStyle necklace has a very Egyptian feel to me.  I think it will look great in the neckline of this dress, and you can always use the Buy Now button to the left to order it.  

Blazer: Rebecca Taylor

Pants: Vanessa Bruno

Sweater: Clements Ribeiro

Pumps: Kate Spade

Bracelet: MintStyle

Handbag: Kate Spade

I recently had an important meeting with a potential corporate client, and just like everyone else, I couldn't figure out what to wear.  Should I wear an all-business black suit with a white blouse paired with sensible black pumps and briefcase?  If I wore that would they think that I'm too boring and plain for a stylist?  Should I wow them with bright colors and something avant-garde?  If I did that, would they think I was too over the top for their professional business?  I decided to go with something tailored, feminine, but edgy and to make sure that I had a least a little bit of color to be eye-catching.  The blazer's leather trim provides some edge but maintains a traditional tailored cut.  The pumps and handbag are traditional too, but the chains on the bracelet are bold as are the stripes on the cashmere sweater.  Remember that important meetings or job interviews are not the time to scrimp on budget clothes.  You want to show that you are investing in your best asset: you.

Sweater: Dorothy Perkins

Blouse: MANGO

Bracelet: JewelMint

Skirt: J Crew

Pumps: Boutique 9 

Blazer: Reiss

It's around this time of the year, every year, that I'm really tired of the summer and warm weather, and my thoughts turn to fall dressing and layering.  The key to layering is to keep everything fitted; if you layer big bulky things, they are going to make you look big and bulky, too.  J. Crew makes absolutely the best pencil skirts.  If you have an hourglass figure, pencil skirts are something you should build around because they are universally flattering on you.  I always like to add a collar beneath a crew neck especially if you are trying to wear one that builds on colors that aren't necessarily in your color pallet.  I really shouldn't wear beige, but when I add a white collar under a beige-toned sweater, I can get away with it.  Shoes are finally losing their excessive platforms and going back to more feminine structures.  These are a beautiful ballet pink, but if you like to be more match, they also come in crimson to match the sweater, or you can get them in black for an even edgier feel.  

Top: Rebecca Taylor

Skirt: Catherine Malandrino

Pumps: C Wonder

Lip Gloss: Marc Jacobs

Necklace: JewelMint

I used to struggle with all white outfits feeling that they always came out looking too much like a nurse or an ice cream man.  Then I discovered a few tricks: always use bold accessories and makeup and make sure there is texture.  These pieces all of have really neat details that might not be noticeable on a quick glance.  The top is actually a baseball tee made of crepe so that it's all grown up, and it's a great transition piece to go from the office to an evening out.  From a distance, the skirt looks as though it is sequined, but the diamonds are actually patent leather, providing the texture to the outfit and a new take on the traditional leather skirt.  The bright accessories start with the blue satin pumps, the red lip from the new Marc Jacobs' beauty line, and the bright floral statement necklace.  

Dress: Clements Ribeiro

Clutch: Elaine Turner

Blazer: Rebecca Taylor

Watch: Kate Spade

Necklace: MintStyle Gilded Points Necklace JMN0374 $29.99

Pumps: Elizabeth and James

Building a wardrobe of separates will stretch the number of outfits you can make.  It also allows you to mix pieces for usage in different ways.  This dress is in a classic flattering pattern with a cut that's good for hourglass and apple bodies.  It's appropriate for both the office or a morning wedding or weekend brunch.  Carrying a clutch inside a bigger tote for lunches out during the day is a practical way to multitask.  The back of jacket has a pleat for a feminine touch but the leather trim adds some edge and so does the Gilded Points necklace.  

Coat: RED Valentino

Blouse: Rebecca Taylor

Pants: J Crew

Cuff: Mint Style JMB0165 $44.00

Shoes: Shoe Mint

Bag: Cambridge Satchel

If you work in a casual or artistic environment, it can become really easy to get sucked into wearing paired down outfits of jeans and tee shirts.  It doesn't take much more effort than putting on these old staples to pull together an outfit like this one.  The shoes and large cuff add most of the drama here, but the unexpected pairing of colors adds dimension.  If you'd like to order the cuff, please use the link to email me or look for they Buy Now button to the left.

Dress: Day Birger et Mikkelsen

Boots: Pour la Victoire (On Sale)

Earrings: Bauble Bar

Handbag: Sophie Hulme

Nail System: Sephora by OPI Gelshine

I am a sucker for texture.  Much more than color or pattern, I want to always incorporate texture into outfits.  Every since we were little, we have the desire to reach out and touch something that looks like it's shiny or bumpy.  During the warmer months, texture is one thing that is hard to incorporate because texture usually adds weight.  This dress jumped out at me while I was browsing through Stylebop.  At first, I really thought it was boucle, one of my favorite textures.  On closer inspection, it's a patterned silk in a very ladylike cut perfect for the office on a hot summer day.  To give it some edge, I've paired it with an ankle boot that has a discreet platform (and is on sale) and some amazing earrings.  You can wear an office-appropriate stud earring but still have edge when you find something like this rose gold and quartz pair.  You can also switch the boots out for a taller pair and throw on a black blazer like the one in this outfit when it starts to get cooler.  It took me forever to get my first gel manicure, but now I'm hooked.  They simply do last forever, but if you want to be more economical and do them yourself, invest in a system for home use.  That way you can even change it before it really needs it and not feel guilty about spending the money.  

Coat: RED Valentino

Necklace: MintStyle

Clutch: Alexander Wang

Wedges: Kate Spade

Glasses: Elizabeth and James

I have been having a lot of lunch meetings lately.  You want to be professional, comfortable, and not carry a huge amount of clutter with you to cramped tables.  This light crepe coat looks equally good paired with a black shift dress or navy pants and blouse.  Keep things simple and practical with a nude wedge and a simple clutch.  The necklace is the Venetian Pendant (Item JMN0154 $42)) one of my all time favorite pieces from the Mint Style line, which I carry.  If you'd like to order it, you can click on the Buy Now button to the left or email me directly.  

Dress: Warehouse

Bracelet: JewelMint

Shoes: Tildon

Bag: Aldo

Blazer: RED Valentino

Around this time of year every year, the fall clothes start to appear in the magazines.  Since I live in Southern California, we are just getting into the hottest weather of the year when this happens.  Without fail though, I start to dream of cooler days and the clothes that go with them.  This outfit is helping me feel like I'm transitioning while still being light enough for hot summer days.  It's also the perfect outfit for a work day to evening transition.  Remove the jacket, and the cutout in the back reveals some lovely summer skin without being too baring.  The bracelet and shoe add a bit of edge, and the bag has a classic feminine feel.  

Blouse: T by Alexander Wang

Skirt: Warehouse

Bracelet: BaubleBar

Bracelet: House of Harlow 1960

Ring: BaubleBar

Clutch: ASOS

I have been searching for the perfect navy blouse for so long.  Finding this one seemed ideal; it's so inky it's almost black, but it is very sheer.  In my rush of excitement at finding it, I thought it would be simple to find the perfect pencil skirt to pair with it.  It took almost as long to find the skirt in just the right color and with some texture.  White accents in the accessories are so much fresher for a summer look and are vaguely nautical here, but you could also go with some orange if you feel the need for more color.  

Blouse: Current/Elliott

Skirt: Reiss

Belt: Neiman Marcus

Bracelets: All JewelMint

Shoes: Tory Burch

I know you've probably seen this outfit before, but the combination of the chambray shirt and the brocade skirt is one of my favorites and just never gets old to me.  Taking a piece that you would normally expect to not be wearable everyday and pairing it with pieces that bring it down to a daywear level while still looking realistic is one of my favorite things to do with a wardrobe.  We invest in so many pieces that don't get their fair share of wear.  Wouldn't it be better to invest in pieces that can go both ways?  

Earrings: JewelMint

Dress: Reiss

Shoes: Oscar De La Renta (On sale for an incredible price)

Hair Serum: Living Proof

Belt: Linea Pelle

Bag: Michael Michael Kors

I know how easy it is to fall into the routine of jeans on casual Friday, but how much more pulled together would you be with an outfit like this?  And I don't know about you, but sitting behind a desk or in a meeting in jeans all day is just not comfortable to me.  All of these pieces are great standard classics, which won't go out of style, yet all are available for a great price.  A classic example of spending a little bit more on quality pieces that you won't have to replace.