Kiss

Today's dress is a little risque for the workplace, but since it's Friday, I figured I would push my luck. I again tried on several different outfits this morning, debating (with myself) about what would be appropriate for the office. I have some beautiful dresses left in my closet that you, dear readers, have never seen before. But they are all more appropriate for a night out that a day at the office.

 
This dress, though -- paired with a cardigan -- seems to be working out alright. The reason I've never worn the Cynthia Steffe Giada dress to the office before is because it has several cut-outs, one in the front and one in the back. Fortunately, the cardigan hides the cut-out in back, which you can see in this picture. (The dress also came in black.)

I normally would not recommend a cut-out dress for work, but since we're nearing the very end of the Fashion Challenge, I figured I would break my own rule. After today, I can maybe squeeze in one more week of outfits. And if I take my lazy butt to my alterations lady this weekend, I could increase that number, since I have several dresses that need to be taken in at the top.

Sometimes it is really hard for me to find a dress that fits me just right, because I am usually a four up top and a six below due to the fact that I store all my fat in my hips and upper thighs. Sometimes I don't know what designers are thinking, because usually those items that don't fit have to be taken up at the shoulders.

If you really love something, though, the fact that it doesn't fit quite right should not discourage you from buying an item of clothing. Alterations can really make a garment "work" for you. If you've ever watched What Not to Wear, you will hear Stacy and Clinton tell that to most of their victims.

I paired the dress today with my Dolce Vita Apple Suede Clog Pumps, which I really find quite comfortable.

Fortunately, today is Friday, which means I can sleep in tomorrow. Yay for sleep!

She Works Hard for the Money

Work Outfit for Day 137

I am constantly amazed at all the amazing working mothers in my life right now, including Stacey, Katie, Crissy, Erin and Laura G. To quote from a great book and upcoming SJP movie, "I don't know how she does it!" Just having George to take care of -- and myself -- for this week while Chapin was out of town made me realize how much we rely on each other to help out with daily chores, walks, dinners and more.

For example, I could not work late because I had to go home to feed and walk George at the end of the day, when usually I just call Chapin and he makes sure he is home on time. I just wanted to give a shout out to these working moms, who somehow balance motherhood, careers, husbands and more. I am still not sure if I will be able to go down that road, because just writing this blog everyday about the clothes in my closet makes me feel a bit superficial and selfish. Shouldn't I be out there helping others? Volunteering at an animal shelter didn't work, since I would basically come home and cry every time I went and spent time with all the abandoned dogs, so I am going to try to look for a volunteer opportunity that makes me feel fulfilled without the tears. Any suggestions?

Speaking of helping others, the fashion community is pitching in to help Japan recover from the horrendous earthquake and tsunami that has left much of the country in ruin. Here are some of the items you can buy to help this cause:

Tory Burch Japan Relief T-Shirt -- 100% of the proceeds from the sale of each shirt go to the American Red Cross to aid in the Japanese relief effort. The shirt is adorable: white with red hearts and dots, a reference to the Japanese flag.

Gwen Stefani Harajuku Lovers T-Shirt -- Available beginning next week on NoDoubt.com.

Rebecca Minkoff -- If you love her fabulous bags, now is the time to buy a red one. The site is donating $100 to the Red Cross for every red bag sold.

These are just a few ways you can help out and get a little something for yourself, too.

As for my outfit on this beautiful Monday, I am wearing a Laundry by Shelli Segal Two-Fer Dress in Navy and Oatmeal. I paired the dress with my Dolce Vita Apple Suede Clog Pumps in Beige. The shoes match the oatmeal color of the top part of the dress just perfectly.

Chasing Pavements

It's my first day in the office in 2011, and I am feeling re-charged after a laid back few weeks. New Year's Day I slept a lot and relaxed at home with Chapin, and Sunday we enjoyed lunch out and a quick trip to the mall to get a few links taken out of my new Michele watch. It fits my wrist just perfectly now.

Today I am wearing the Cynthia Steffe Madison Lace dress. This dress is a little fancy for the office, especially on a day when I will basically be sitting at my desk for eight hours straight, but it must be done for the Fashion Challenge. I am getting down to my last few dresses... so I will have to start wearing pants soon. Oh no!

I think I look weird in this photo, but I chose it because you can really see the detail on the shoes. The Dolce Vita Apple Suede Clog Peep Toe Pumps are just fabulous. I love this brand because the shoes look expensive, but are generally very affordable. I chose to wear them with this dress because I like to bring out the taupe in the lace part of the dress, which I think is so beautiful. I also wanted to wear peep toes because I wanted to show off my beautiful pedicure.

My friend Jeanne and I went to my favorite nail salon, Passion Nails, on New Year's Eve. I chose the color My Private Jet for my nails and toes, and I am just in love with it. It was so beautiful here on New Year's Eve that it was the perfect day for such a treat!