For meeting days, pair the white blouse and blazer with the bright bottom and add all your neutral accessories. A peplum skirt adds a little something, but a plain one works just as well – if you’re afraid it creates too much fuss with the blazer. Another formal possibility is the patterned dress with white blazer and all-neutral accessories.

For more casual days, try your hand at layering. I like layering simple knit sweaters over a form-fitting sheath dress – especially when the dress is patterned you can create the effect of separates quite light-handedly. For the more daring, layer a pencil skirt over a sheath dress. For this combo to work, the pencil skirt  MUST be rather sturdy and well constructed and preferably be lined to smooth out any bumps from the dress underneath (which in turn MUST be rather thin and made from a stretchy material). Now, this layering technique is not for those who get hot easily – but as New York offices’ love affair with air conditioners gives me a constant chill between the months of May and October, I don’t mind layering it on.

For another casual outfit, swap out the blazer from the meeting day outfit for a light knit sweater and you’ve got yourselves another 2 possible combinations. Voila – you’re done packing in – what was that again? – under 10 minutes and you can go out and enjoy the sunshine instead of agonizing over outfit planning. If you’re going to be gone all week – you’ll need some relaxation.

River Island pink dress, €59 / J.Crew top, €61 / French Connection lace top, €76 / Zara blazer, €62 / Matthew Williamson peplum skirt, €290 / Ann Taylor high heel shoes, €99 / Topshop , €115 / Topshop jewelry, €42 / Marc by Marc Jacobs engraved jewelry, €53

In these posts we’ll show you how to create a whole week’s worth of stylish work outfits using only nine items. We’ll help you make the most out of your wardrobe by mixing classic basics in a medium price range with low budget on-trend items.

I always find it quite peculiar when other languages adapt English words into their native language but appropriate said word to a completely different meaning than its English origin. For example, the Germans use “handy” for a handheld telephone, also known as a cellphone or mobile in the English language. The Spaniards also love to adapt English words and as an avid reader of Spanish fashion magazines, my favorite has to be “Candy” which means pastel color. It’s not like the Spanish don’t have a Spanish word for pastel color (color pastel) but the savvy Spanish fashionista wouldn’t be caught dead saying anything other than (Cotton) “Candy”. Entonces, presentamos la colleccion “Candy”.

Belles, please share your favorite abstractions of the English language in other languages in the comments!

In these posts we’ll show you how to create a whole week’s worth of stylish work outfits using only nine items. We’ll help you make the most out of your wardrobe by mixing classic basics in a medium price range with low budget on-trend items.

Topshop shift dress, $160 / Fat Face , $55 / Moschino polka dot shirt, $319 / Ann Taylor eyelet jacket, $128 / Topshop , $160 / J.Crew j. crew pants, $128 / Topshop Jacket Mint Green , $110 / Topshop Bag , $ 150 / Kate Spade earrings, $38

French Connection sleeveless shift dress, €140 / Ella Moss short sleeve top, €84 / Halogen belted top, €36 / Zara jacket, €100 / Mango jacket, €47 / J.Crew dress pants, €100 / L’ Autre Chose round toe pumps, €270 / Zara leather clutch, €62 / J.Crew knot earrings, €27

French Connection knee length dress, €140 / Ella Moss boatneck top, €84 / Halogen peplum top, €36 / Mango jacket, €47 / Zara tux jacket, €100 / J.Crew j crew, €100 / L’ Autre Chose kitten heel pumps, €270 / Zara handbag, €62 / J.Crew earrings, €27

In these posts we’ll show you how to create a whole week’s worth of stylish work outfits using only nine items. We’ll help you make the most out of your wardrobe by mixing classic basics in a medium price range with low budget on-trend items.

Jay Ahr slimming color block dress $635 / H&M blouse, $30 / Worthington long camisole top (apricot blouse) $18 / Black down jacket $ 35 from Target / Vince black  skirt $ 195/ Mango skirt red $ 40/ Ballet flat C. Wonder $ 90/ C. Wonder laptop tote bag $ 58 / ASOS | ASOS – Flache Kreolen bei ASOS, $17 (earrings)

Massimo Dutti silk dress $145 / H&M silk blouse, $63 / Massimo Dutti Coat $ 328/ Massimo Dutti trouser $ 128 / Ballerina flat $ 98 / Massimo Dutti bag $ 228 / Wallis gold jewelry $ 3.50 / Topshop leather belt $ 60 / H&M Blouse, $32

 

The end of January is that blahhhhhhh time  of the year where your holiday glow has faded, the work year is in full swing, the weather is cold and gray, sales are mostly over and spring lines have not arrived. I am always surpremely grateful for this time of year, because when else would I have time to spend all days at the movies so I could prepare for the upcoming Oscars? Exactly.

 

As for fashion, this week’s palette reflects my longing to dress in pretty spring chiffons and the reality of needing a warm, knit sweater. Hopefully you’ll like it. I also realize that Emilio Pucci blazer, is out of most folks’ budget, but really any blue blazer works for this. The gold buttons and double breast is a plus. Just make sure when you go for those details that the blazer is a brighter shade of blue than navy – otherwise it can drift into schoolgirl territory to easily – especially in combination with that flouncy, buttercup-yellow skirt.

 

 

 

Reiss sparkly dress $ 150 / Banana Republic  $75/ Ann Taylor chiffon top $78/ Emilio Pucci , $1,855 / Diane von Furstenberg long pants $ 187 / Tulle Clothing $ 15  / AllSaints high heel shoes $ 278 / Gucci leather buckle belt $ 180/ Banana Republic Pleated A Line Skirt $38

Reiss sparkly dress $ 150 / Banana Republic  $75/ Ann Taylor chiffon top $78/ Emilio Pucci , $1,855 / Diane von Furstenberg long pants $ 187 / Tulle Clothing $ 15  / AllSaints high heel shoes $ 278 / Gucci leather buckle belt $ 180/ Banana Republic Pleated A Line Skirt $38