Space Case

My husband is probably the smartest person I've ever met. He's also one of the most forgetful! Still, I was surprised this morning to get the call that he had left his wallet at home, and I had to come bring it to him... at the airport. Sheesh! What a way to start the week.

Today's dress is one I lusted after for a long time. I didn't think it would ever be mine, and then it popped up on RueLaLa.com in my size. Hooray!

Remember: If you ever want an invite to Rue La La, all you have to do is ask. I recently invited my co-worker, Heidi, to check out the site, and it's where she ended up buying a dress to wear to her upcoming bachelorette party. Three cheers for discount shopping!

Outfit Details

Dress: Alice + Olivia Ellis Floral Zip-Front Dress

This dress is super cute and comfortable, and perfect for a spring or summer day -- especially one as overcast as today. (It seemed to rain all night!) I love that the front of the dress has a zipper, as opposed to buttons, which makes it much easier for larger chested women to wear it. The addition of yellow also brightens up what could have been just a simple black and white palette.

The cherry on top is finding a dress that goes so well with these black, white and yellow floral pumps! They are a perfect match.

Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti Daisy Pumps (no longer available)

Weekend Update:

I have to mention the fun evening I had this past Friday night, when Chapin and I joined some friends for dinner out at one of our favorite restaurants, Cooks & Soldiers, followed by Sips Under the Sea at the Georgia Aquarium.

We were supposed to wear white or neon colors, but never did find out why. Oh well.

I enjoyed wearing this Parker Black white sequin dress for the occasion. I got so many compliments on it.

My sister, Laura, added that it was the perfect dress to wear to the aquarium, since the sequins look like a mermaid's tail or fish scales. I never thought about it like that, but she's totally right!

If you're an adult and want to enjoy the aquarium, these nighttime events are the best time to do it. There aren't as many people there, so you can really walk around and take everything in. And alcohol helps the experience, too!

Tips for Workplace Dressing From a Corporate Fashionista

One constant refrain when it comes to getting dressed for work: What is appropriate and what is too casual in today's office environment?

Early in my career, fresh out of college, I wore jeans to work pretty much every day... because I could. It was the early 2000s, the Internet bubble hadn't quite burst, and working environments were accepting casual wear as the norm. I think I suffered for my choice of attire, though; I wasn't taken seriously as a career woman dressed in a casual top and jeans. I was a content writer, seen as more fluff than substance.

It probably wasn't until I started graduate school in my late 20s that I realized that old adage, "Dress for the job you want," is really true. I started wearing suits and dresses to work, and things started to change.

Now, as my blog readers well know, I am always "dressed up" for work. The reason? I never know when a client is just going to show up at the office, or I'll be asked to sit in on a meeting that wasn't on my calendar. As a leader in my company, I have to prepare for the unexpected, and that means setting a good example and dressing appropriately for all occasions. But as a "corporate fashionista," I still want to look cute!

Dress: Nine West Floral Fit and Flare Dress in Sunshine

Macy's carries Nine West dresses, as does Amazon. Nine West sundresses tend to be cute and inexpensive. Here's a similar floral fit and flare dress in a different color palette if yellow isn't for you.

Pumps: Giuseppe Zanotti Daisy Pumps (no longer available)

Today's dress is an example of something that is borderline too casual for me. The dress is fun and pretty, but it's also a sundress. It works for a casual office day, but also for brunch on a Sunday or a dinner out with the girls. That said, here are my basic rules for dressing for work:

1. Try not to show too much skin, especially above the waist. Revealing bare shoulders (like in a strapless dress with no sweater or jacket over it) or an open-back dress where it's clear you aren't wearing a bra should be saved for weekend outings.

2. Shorts are never appropriate for the office - I don't care how cute they might be. Rompers are generally out as well.

3. Always wear a bra and underwear. If the dress or outfit doesn't allow you to wear one or both of these items, then don't wear it to work.

4. Know your audience. If you are meeting with someone more conservative, try to dress that way, and save your "borderline" outfits for Fridays or days when you don't have to make a big presentation.

5. Use good judgment. If you feel like you need to hide behind your desk as soon as you get to work, then next time leave this outfit hanging in your closet.

All Dressed in Yellow

Daisy, Daisy... You know how the song goes! This butter yellow dress, combined with my daisy pumps, are just the perfect anecdote to working on a day when many people have off.

I have never had Martin Luther King Day off in my entire career! But that's ok... I accomplished so much today.

Dress: Shoshanna Lemon Yellow Bengaline Pleated Demi Dress

Here is a strapless version of the dress available in pink on Amazon.com.

I think I've mentioned on this blog before that I am really not a fan of myself in yellow due to my olive skin tone, but lately, I seem to be having a change of heart. Plus, it's fun pairing yellow with my amethyst jewelry. I just love yellow and purple together. I even have a hint of purple eyeshadow on my lids.

Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti Daisy Pumps (no longer available)

On Lips: Dior Addict Fluid Stick in Trompre L'Oeil

Even though I didn't have a long weekend like many other people, I still had a very nice weekend. I spent some time with my parents on Saturday afternoon, and Chapin and I stayed in on Saturday night. We watched Trainwreck and ate takeout Indian food from Urban Spice. Lately, that's really what I prefer to do... just cuddle at home with my husband and my dogs. Who wants to go outside when it's so cold?!

I have actually been feeling pretty sad lately. This Friday, January 22nd, will be one year since we lost George, and I just can't seem to stop thinking about him. I just miss him so much. I'm realizing that the bond we had was very rare, and though I love Wally and Norman and would do anything for them, it's just not the same.