We’re halfway through summer, and, boy, is it hot. As much as we wish we could  lounge by the pool all day, we still have to go to work. Bring summer fun into the office with this easy ensemble. The classic pencil skirt gets a nautical-inspired update with this chic navy-and-white wrap version from Madewell. Pair it with a bright pink sleeveless blouse and you’re sure to stay cool. (Is the A.C. blasting in your workplace? Ditch your usual cardigan for a soft patterned scarf, which doubles as a shawl when you get cold.) Every working woman needs a fashionable yet functional bag, like this leather satchel, to tote her essentials to and from work. Slip on some Toms for your commute but step into these raffia-trimmed metallic sandals as soon as you arrive at the office. They’ll add a little edge to your look while the platforms make them easy to walk in.

blouse, Target, skirt, Madewell, scarf, Target, bag, Shopbop, earrings, J. Crew, watch, Nordstrom, bangle, BaubleBar, shoes, Nordstrom, sandals, Saks Fifth Avenue

Every summer morning I wake up with the best of outfit intentions. I imagine myself in a breezy ensemble strolling the streets with an iced coffee, a canvas bag full of farmers’ market goods, and my guy on my arm. Then, I promptly reach for cut-offs and a tee and head to the grocery store. In an attempt to reform my uber-casual summer weekend ways I’ve been incorporating maxi dresses into my wardrobe. They are quick, stylish, and basically a full outfit in one garment. The key is to stick to a style that has a nipped in waist to give you shape. I love the patterned number above–it’s effortless chic to the letter–and you get extra credit for cool-girl accessories like a fedora and circle scarf.

dress, Nordstrom, sandals and hat, Modcloth, scarf, Sole Society, bag, Nordstrom, sunglasses, Ray-Ban, bangles, Dorothy Perkins

Wedding season is in full swing and that means you need a dress. Not just any dress–mind you–a dress that can transition easily from a day or early evening ceremony to a rocking all night party fest. Done and done. This little strapless number is quite the eye-catcher and with party-worthy metallic accessories it’s a fool-proof wedding season pick. This frock could even work for a beach wedding with some embellished sandals. Ah, our styling work here is done.

dress, Modcloth.com, heels, Dillards.com, bracelets, Baublebar.com, clutch, Aldo

Crop tops aren’t just for 20-something festival-goers anymore. They’ve been all over the runways this year, and, believe it or not, you can wear them, too! The key to pulling one off is to keep the rest of your look simple and refined. If you’re going to play peekaboo with your tummy, be sure to cover your cleavage. This knitted crochet crop top does the trick. Pair it with a high-waisted knee-length pencil skirt, like this gorgeous floral one from Zara, so only a sliver of your stomach shows through. The look is super flirty, yet still classy and totally on-trend. Change up your accessories to take your outfit from day to night. A versatile crossbody bag and flat sandals are perfect for daytime, while gold spiked bracelets, a hot pink clutch, and strappy high heels give you just enough edge for a night on the town.

top, Topshop, skirt, Zara, crossbody bag, ASOS, flat sandals, Old Navy, bracelets, ASOS, clutch, Kate Spade, heels, Steve Madden

]]> http://www.lhj.com/blogs/ladieslounge/2013/06/19/cream-of-the-crop/feed/ 6 http://www.lhj.com/blogs/ladieslounge/2013/06/05/working-girl/ http://www.lhj.com/blogs/ladieslounge/2013/06/05/working-girl/#comments Wed, 05 Jun 2013 12:30:25 +0000 Bethany Porter http://www.lhj.com/blogs/ladieslounge/?p=27961

Just because it’s the season of sandals and sundresses doesn’t usually mean you get to slack off in the workwear department (le sigh). However, we are taking a firm stance against boring office duds and presenting–for your wardrobe pleasure–a fab shift dress and some punchy footwear. This little frock is under $100 and will take you through the fall. Two seasons in one dress, ya’ll! We added a straw bag to encourage beachy day dreaming.

dress, I. Madeline, bag, Monserat, sandals and pumps, Zara, orange bracelet, Kate Spade, cuff, Aldo

We’ve seen a lot of tribal-inspired fashion in 2013, and this super versatile animal-print shift dress from ASOS is an easy way to incorporate the style it into your own wardrobe. Wear it to work with a crisp white blazer and silver accents, like these sparkly earrings, classic wristwatch, and studded suede loafers. Pair it with natural makeup for a tasteful but trendy look. Heading out for a night on the town? Go for the gold with spiky gladiator heels (which are actually quite comfortable because of the extra ankle strap) and dainty drop earrings. We love adding the hot pink clutch for an unexpected pop of color. Finish your going-out look by applying bold fuchsia lipstick and a touch of shimmery bronzer.

Work look: dress, ASOS, blazer, H&M, earrings, Banana Republic, watch, Fossil, shoes, Forever21

Play look: dress, ASOS, earrings, ModCloth.com, clutch, Michael Kors, shoes, Guess, lipstick in “Faint for Fuschia”, Maybelline, blush/bronzer duo in “Desire/Laguna”, NARS

Shorts weather is finally here, and we can’t wait to wear a trendy shorts suit. A minimal black and white print like this one ensures the match-matchy look doesn’t overwhelm you. Three rules apply when picking out your suit. First make sure the shorts are shorter than Bermudas (which can look dowdy), but longer than cutoffs (which only work if you’re 16). Then go for simple accessories. We paired basic earrings with a magenta tote for daytime and a canary yellow clutch at night. The bags add subtle pops of color without competing with the patterned suit. Lastly, avoid sky-high stilettos! Mid-level pumps or flats keep the outfit classy and chic.

Blazer and shorts, Karen Millen, blouse, H&M

Daytime look: stud earrings, Kate Spade, tote bag, Dillards, flat sandals, Zara

Nighttime look: hoop earrings, Dorothy Perkins, clutch, Aldo, heels, Zara

Date Night Look: pant, Uniqlo, vest, Zara, top, French Connection, heels, Nordstrom

Weekend Look: pant, Uniqlo, tie blouse, Dynamite, tank, H&M, sandals, Target

Yes, you can do leather! It’s one of the biggest trends this spring and surprisingly accessible. The scalloped hemline and fun cutouts on this (faux) leather skirt make it flirty and feminine. Pair it with an of-the-moment chambray shirt for a casual style you can wear anywhere, from running errands on the weekend to a romantic dinner out with your husband. The denim acts as a neutral, so feel free to incorporate pops of color with your jewelry and shoes.

skirt, Nordstrom, shirt, Madewell,  sandal, Piperlime, wedge, Target, bracelets, Aldo, earrings, Kate Spade 

The weather is getting warmer, and it’s time to lighten up your wardrobe! A bright-colored sweater in a lightweight fabric can easily transition from spring to summer, and patterned shorts always look effortlessly stylish.  Try a neutral bag in a classic shape that will complement any outfit and never go out of style.  Add some fun accessories, and you’re ready to start your summer in style!

Pants, Asos, $246. Sweater, Ralph Lauren, $110.  Shoes, Rebecca Minkoff, $158.  Sunglasses, Kate Spade, $128.  Bag, Zara, $80.  Necklace,  Pim+Larkin, $42. Earrings, Baublebar, $34.