Can I Rock A Party Frock For Day?

I have a co-worker who can rock a party dress like no other...she doesn't save them for parties, but instead wears them wherever and whenever it pleases her.  I've even seen her take out the trash in a party dress!  This girl is getting her money's worth for sure.
I, on the other hand, have only worn my party dresses for just that- parties.  Usually weddings and I'll wear it more than once, provided that it hasn't already been seen by the crowd that I'll be part of on any particular occasion, but really all they do is hang out in my closet.  So out of curiosity, could I wear a party dress for day?  Well, turns out I can...


 
It took a little more thought to style it down for a day at work.  I've had this Nicole Miller dress for years, and normally I wear it with a red sash belt, my favorite Christian LaCroix evening shoes, and more bold make up but clearly, that would not be a day look.  

 
Flats, instead of heels made a huge difference!  I bought these hand dipped dyed darlings a few weeks ago and love them!  Strangely enough they go with way more than I thought they would.  (But, I do admit that I miss the height.) 


Instead of the sash, and because of the fact that it's strapless, a little shrug/cropped cardi was necessary for work.  But, because it's a party dress, I couldn't resist a little sparkle around my neck.

It was fun to step out of my box for a day, and I got loads of compliments on this look, but it is very different than what I usually wear to work.  But, just thinking about cost per wear changes the way I think about those semi formal barely worn dresses that happen to be taking up valuable space in my wardrobe, because this is not only party dress that I own...so you may be seeing more of them soon.  It is after all holiday party season, and how much easier is it to go from work day to night party when you're already wearing the dress?

J.

I Wore Shorts Because It's Monday

Mondays are one of those days that I wear jeans...it's because it's Monday, it's easy, (you know what I mean,) however, sometimes the mood for something different is just too hard to resist.

Yesterday I made a late night run to Barnes and Noble for a quick tea and magazine before bed and while flipping through the various magazines I passed by something featuring shorts and flowy shirts. At 8 am I woke up with the plan of pulling on jeans (my usual,) but the urge to sport some shorts was undeniable! So today I gave in to my whims and wore them...

Normally I would consider shorts inappropriate work attire, but the preppy tweed print, longer length and the fact that they're made of wool made them less casual. They also happen to be unlined, very hot and very itchy if I sat for any length of time in them. But I like them anyway.

This vintage blouse really isn't anything at all like I saw in the magazine, but the longer sleeves do help the shorts pass as job appropriate.
I've been wearing this necklace all weekend, it's been one of those easy pieces that works with everything. The clutch is Loeffler Randall for Target that I got at a clothing swap. You can't tell in the picture but the necklace and purse are both sort of coppery brown and sparkly. And the boots are just comfortable. You know, for Monday.

How did you style your Monday?
J.

Shifting My Closet Views-Going From Night To Day

Sorry for not updating like a good blogger should!!! I didn't expect summer to be as busy as it has been and I think it may get a little crazier still! I promise to try to get back into the game and not only post more frequently but also get to my regular reading of your blogs...I promise I miss you! (Bad bad J.)

One of the things that has been taking up most of my days is a new part time job...funny how that eats away at all my free time! But I can't complain, it gets me out of the house. Since I haven't been working, that also means I haven't been replenishing my bank account and I don't really have the money to spend on a new work wardrobe. So time to get creative.

Normally, I would wear this dress for evenings out. The back has a very low drape (sorry I didn't take a pic of it,) and limits the wearing of certain under garments, really not work wear at all. But the fabric is light weight, and the muted tones of grey, silver, taupe and blue evoke a cool feeling even when the temperature is 90+ outside. But why limit it to evenings only?

Just adding the denim shirt not only covered my open back but gave the dress a much more casual day look. (This also solves the freezing air conditioning problem.) Pairing it with the lace up wedges also tones it down and is much more comfortable and appropriate for those long hours on my feet. Best of all, I can throw an extra pair of heels in my bag and after work be ready to head out for dinner or cocktails!

I'm finding that the simple denim shirt is really a good answer to changing up a lot of items in my closet. And to think I was going to donate it!

On another note, I've been playing around with the makeup again and was inspired by a look in a magazine to do a dark eye and light lip. I've not gone with black liner in I don't know how many years, I normally prefer a little more color or a neutral palette but it was worth a try...

Surprisingly, I'm ok with the dark eye and as long as it doesn't melt off my face, I'd even do it for the day. It's the ultra pale pink lip that doesn't work so much for me. Anyone have any suggestions? (Don't say a dark lip liner, I'm not going for Pamela Anderson!)
J.