Week 2
Physically, I didn’t feel great this week. I started Monday feeling drained (sinus stuff - thanks, Georgia weather!) and as soon as I felt better, I had a slew of deadlines and a bunch and am really holding myself to cooking more meals at home in an effort to get healthier.
Also, this week at work, we actually had to dress professionally (gasp!) thanks to visitors from other countries. Our office is typically casual, somewhere in between shirt-and-tie and hoodie-with-sneakers. I had to really dig into my wardrobe to piece together three outfits that would carry me during these challenging times…as I got rid of most of my “professional” clothes (aka, suits) over the last few years and never replaced them. I feel stuffy and very uncomfortable with pantsuits. I always feel like I’m playing pretend when I wear them, I haven’t had the time to get a tailored set, nor do I want to spend the time and money. I believe that there are other ways to look professional without spending a ton of money on something you’ll only wear once.
As a birthday present to myself, I shopped J. Crew Factory’s big sale last week and bought myself some basics: black loafers (hello, new everyday shoes; you’re welcome, my camel loafers), black basic leggings, grey joggers, and a brown sleeveless turtleneck sweater - all for $89 (yay for free shipping!). They came in just in time to join this week’s “professional attire” party - see below how I wore them.
Monday
Hoodie: Muji | T-shirt: Target | Leggings: Nordstrom | Slippers: Amazon
I stayed home and watched TV all day while nursing a sinus infection - so, comfort was the goal here. I bought this hoodie from Muji in New York last August and I probably wear this more than anything I have in my closet. It’s so soft, I love the navy color, and the fit is just right.
Tuesday
Sweater-blazer: J.Crew | White top: Ann Taylor | Black denim pants: J.Crew | Shoes: Ann Taylor
Remember that tan sweater-blazer that I wore last Monday? I loved it so much that I bought another in black. I’ve worn it twice in two weeks already. I bought this one in a smaller size, so that it’s a little more fitted and looks a little less casual. The tank chemise that I bought from Ann Taylor sometime ago is super lightweight and great for layering. The straight neckline is very flattering and keeps it conservative, but not stuffy. The black denim pants (okay - jeans), are a straight cut, all of the seams on the pants are also black, so they are not distracting and they can pass for work pants. These pointed orange shoes are old from AT, and I can’t believe that I haven’t worn them more! I think they add a nice pop of color in this otherwise, very neutral outfit.
Wednesday
Sweater: Absolutely (from Stitch Fix) | Black denim pants: J.Crew | Shoes: J.Crew Factory
I didn’t feel very well on this day so I wanted to dress as simply as possible. I threw on this sweater (love the color and the single white stripe detail on the cuffs), and tucked it into my black jeans (same one from the day before…I have zero shame; they weren’t dirty, and all I did in them the day before was sit in my office). I’ve found that evenly tucking the sweater into jeans almost automatically makes my outfit look more put together and a little neater. My new black loafers came in the night before and I give them a 7/10. They are sooooo comfortable and took 5 seconds to break in. I wish they had a thicker bottom/heel but for $48, I’ll take them.
Thursday
Sweater/turtleneck: French Connection (via eBay) | Skirt: Kut from the Cloth (via Stitch Fix) | Shoes: J.Crew Factory
Just like Lizzie McGuire, I’m an outfit repeater. I wore this same sweater last week because it is THAT comfortable. It’s also super forgiving because it’s loose, but has enough visual texture that keeps it structured and interesting. I was feeling bloated and still semi unwell on this day, but I was also running out of dark jeans/pants to wear. I pulled on the Burgundy corduroy skirt I had on last week and did a little French tuck. I wore the black loafers again - which I kind of regretted. On the one hand, they’re comfortable but with this sweater and skirt combo, they made me look shorter. This is one of those outfits where I felt like it looked good from the hips up - next time I may just pair it with some knee high boots or ballet flats.
Friday
Sweater, leggings, and shoes: J.Crew Factory
It’s Friday and it’s my work from home day, but I also had my photos taken in my studio for a project that I am working on! This entire outfit came from my sale purchase. I didn’t really intend to wear them all together when I purchased them, but here we are.
I am of the school of thoughts that you should never wear leggings to work. Ever. Unless they are under a tunic or a dress and not cotton or semi-seethrough. However, since I am at home, I’m allowed! Also, these leggings are very opaque and thick that they can just pass as pants and the turtleneck top is long enough to almost be a tunic. The turtleneck itself is a neutral color (dark camel) and is very cozy.
Saturday
Denim jacket: H&M (old) | Joggers/Sweatpants: J.Crew Factory | T-shirt: Target | Tote Bag: PfK (This is one of my products!) | Shoes: J. Crew Factory
This morning we went to the Brookhaven Farmer’s Market to pick up some fresh produce then went to get some breakfast sandwiches. To be honest, I wore these sweatpants to bed and they are so comfortable and the fit is a skinny so I just kind of kept rolling with them onto the market. I will change into some jeans shortly because I am headed to the salon today, but more than likely, as soon as I get home, I’ll be back in these sweatpants!