workwear wednesday: where's my summer power suit?

I had an awkward moment on Monday. Our dress code is lax, but I'm starting to sense notes are being taken. When my boss said, "You look nice in that little sundress, a bit bare... not that I care." I wondered, Errr...are you sure? Couple that with the WSJ article on the matter and I'm officially in full-blown paranoia mode.

safer bet than a sundress

I think I need to up my "power dressing" for summer or, likely, in general. But how can I answer the riddle of our unwritten dress code? It's more fashion than professional. It's more trend than classic. It's also -drum roll- on a budget. So what's a gal to do?

I've decided that my office dress code role model should be a little style icon named Lucy Laucht.

I love how deceptively simple her outfits look--they're never stuffy, or scruffy, just... perfect.

She's really a girl after my own heart. I've always said I prefer to dress somewhat plainly and play up the third piece [vest, jacket] or accessories, and that seems to be her aesthetic, too. But what I'm missing is the base that she's perfected. From the looks of it, there are several things I need desperately:

• The perfect white T [x 5]
• The perfect khaki trousers
• The perfect summer blouse
• Shimmering neutrals
• To put on some damn heels

At least I know my jacket obsession is not for nothing! But I really need tips for petite-friendly trousers and T's... please share if you have them!

Tell me, what do you wear to work? Have you ever had an awkward fashion moment with a boss?

monday funday: summer loving

I've been extremely nostalgic lately for the trip I took to Paris last summer. It was right after graduating, and we stayed for 10 days.

About the same time this year, I'm easing back into the work week after an early morning flight that sent me straight from Florida to the office. I'd be lying if I said it wouldn't be amazing to be dropped off somewhere sunny and beautiful for a week, a month, or the entire summer. Cannes, perhaps? That's why I'm in love with these series of photos by Baron Wells (via size too small).

I miss the beautiful streets, flower markets, and fresh pain au chocolat... Maybe it was a silly idea to book my big summer getaway in September--I'm going a little stir crazy!

on the lookout: summer footwear

I feel like I spend every summer looking for the same two types of footwear: teeteringly tall nude sandals (a la Vanessa Hudgens here) and everyday flat, mostly-black sandals (like those Gryson ones above).

Last summer, I found those awesomely versatile to-die-for flat sandals on Gilt.com by Gryson for cheap. Sadly, my laziness in taking them on and off (ie: stretching the straps rather than unclasping them each time) has resulted in the beautiful little straps tearing.

I'm off to find replacements (or maybe just new straps?) and happy-birthday-to-me tall nude ones. Wish me luck! I'll post pictures as I hunt...

flip flops reincarnated

delman serena-t sandals

I saw a girl on the subway wearing grey silk versions of sandals like these. As I'm on the hunt for a new pair of sandals (my favorite pair from Gilt Group have been worn to death) I was intrigued by their unusual sillhouette. It's kind of like a tease (party in the front, business in the back?). But these things are way too expensive (on sale from $260 to $190 on Zappos).
Another popular style, especially in Paris right now, are these "Harem" sandals (perhaps to go with their huge selection of drop-crotch harem pants--those things aren't dying anytime soon over there):
mia harem sandals

The price point is definitely better ($64 on Zappos), but it's also a little more expected... and harder to wear with jeans and things.
What do you think?