Just a quick work-related post to get this week started. Unlike Lar who can wear sweatpants to work (so jealous!), I practically live in pencil skirts Monday through Friday. If I had more money, I’d write something here like, “I can’t seem get enough pencil skirts!” But really, with my limited budget (and apparent inability to think beyond this one silhouette for work) I only have about four skirts and a dress or two that I rotate throughout the work week. Here’s one of my standbys:
It’s a black pencil skirt that I purchased at an H&M a few years ago when I panicked at a conference and realized that I had forgotten my then-trusty black pencil skirt (an American Apparel jersey version that didn’t hold up well to washing). My other pencil skirt favorites include a denim one from J.Crew and a classic gray skirt from The Limited.
Outfit details: Primark shirt, H&M skirt, Simply Vera for Kohls pumps, Longchamp purse and necklace from Michael’s (yep, the craft store).
On a side note, I love these Simply Vera pumps. They’re the perfect nude color and make me feel like I’m about 7 feet tall. They’re not the most comfortable (I wore them to the mall this past weekend and ended up hobbling out to my car after 30 minutes), but sometimes you just have to go with form over function. Am I right? Fellow heel-lovers, back me up on this one!
I love the elastic detail on the inside of the heel that helps keep the shoe in place.
Now back to the skirt issue. I’m thinking I need to diversify my skirt options a bit. Mostly because if I keep wearing the same four skirts as regularly as I do now, they’re going to fall apart in the wash before the season is up.
I know I should embrace trousers more, but I can never find a pair that really fit well.
I’m itching to buy a pair of the summer jeans to wear on casual Fridays and maybe this knot skirt. My dream skirt would be this DVF patterned skirt – gray and black, my two favorite clothing colors.
What about you guys and gals? Have you fallen into a workwear rut? Has anyone ever bought the J.Crew Minnie pant? Is it as amazing as the catalog makes it seem? It’s the only pair of non-denim trousers that I’ve really been tempted to get.
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Dearest Lar,
My skirt collection actually doubled when you left me all your clothes before moving to Scotland. However, like I mentioned above, I’ve gotten stuck wearing the same few skirts over and over again. I need you to come look at my closet like you used to and inspire me to throw something crazy together. Can you fly back to Atlanta and stay help me with my closet?
So glad you survived your trip to the highlands with all that walking/hiking and what not. I still remember feeling so out of shape hiking about the hills 7 years ago and I actually was kind of in shape back then! You’d have to drag me up those hills now. And I’m a little annoyed that there isn’t better wifi in the highlands. What, the cows and sheep don’t need to be connected to the outside world?! Next time you venture up north of Edinburgh, I advise that you stay in a quaint cottage with good internet service and just video chat with me 🙂
xoxo, Cath
I missed you so much, Cath! I was not a happy camper about the no wifis, though the upside is that you didn’t have to hear me whine and complain through my sore muscle pain. Gentle slopes and I get along mighty fine, but mountains? Nope.
I LOVE how you dress for work, and you and inspire me to get out of my sweatpants (errr. wearing some right now). I love that DVF skirt especially. Let me know if you get it!
And I can’t tell you how homesick I am — not so much for the place, but to see you! After six months of being away, that part has not improved a jot. I’m getting a bit grumpy about that. And August is lovely and all, but feels too far away.
Love you and miss you!!!!
Lar
cath- i have those EXACT SAME PUMPS! i love them too.just haven’t really worn them all too much. i feel like a giant in them.
I haven’t worn them much either. Usually I can wear them at work without a problem because I’m seated for most of the day. It wasn’t until I wore them to an event at the mall that i realized how painful they can be!
Since you asked for back-up, you got it — Next time you wear those shoes to the office let me know and I’ll suffer with you!
Yes! We’ll be heel twinsies!
Being a teacher, my work week rut clothes became slouchy baggy dresses and sweaters, and yeah I got SO sick of it! But I gotta be able to move and not worry about messing my clothes up. So glad the season change is bringing in fresh options. I think you look super classy in your pencil skirts! I love that knot skirt, it looks pretty different to change things up. And you’ve probably heard this a million times, but if you can always get pants altered and it’s not terribly expensive 😉
I have a friend who gets everything altered and she always looks amazing in clothes. The great thing about the knot skirt is that it’s jersey so it stretches – my favorite!
I love the look of pencil skirts and high high HIGH heels, but I cannot rock that look at my current place of work. My feet would KILL ME within 10 minutes! 🙂 Those Vera Wang heels are gorge, though– perfect color!
Yeah, I can only wear those pumps on days I know I won’t be walking far to meetings or on my feet for a long time giving a presentation 😉
Pencil skirts aren’t a rut, they’re a style signature! Or at least that’s what I’m telling myself to justify the two new ones I ordered from J. Crew; their no. 2 pencil skirt just fits so well.
I didn’t really like the Minnie pants when I tried them on because my legs are pretty thick and they clung in bad places. Hopefully their cotton cafe capri is better.
Good to know about the Minnie pant! I’ve really wanted to buy the No. 2 pencil skirt in every color – and now I’m even more tempted!
Dayum, girl.check out those gams! Salad for the rest of the week for me! 🙂
Hahahaha. Katie, you are too funny! I’ve been doing some Tracy Anderson DVDs. She can really work out your legs!
Well you know I LOVE those Vera pumps as I sported those in our ATL mag shoot too! They aren’t the most comfy like you said- but so worth it for the look!! (made me feel Victoria Beckham-ish really!) I love that Minnie pant- cute spring idea as I despise shorts, so this would be a great option! Lookin’ good lady Cath!
Thanks Jennifer! Did I tell you that I almost wore those nude pumps at the photoshoot? You totally rocked them with your skinny jeans and flowy shirt.
I feel what you’re feeling but in reverse! I have about 5-6 pairs of work pants from Banana Republic Outlet and Express. I have only one work skirt from the Gap Outlet. I would like to buy more skirts too!.and shoes! My latest work shoes are from the Nine West Outlet (I must love the Outlets a little too much).
Those clothes in the pics are super cute though! I should also check out J. Crew soon too.
I totally get stuck in a work wear rut, especially since I have to wear suits 4 out of 5 days of the week. WHOMPP!