Wardrobe Essentials: the Sheath Dress

Photos: Katie Derus | Shirt: J.Crew (last seen here) | Dress: LOFT (similar in regular and petite sizing)| Shoes: F21 (similar here) | Necklace: Ann Taylor | Bracelets: Nordstrom, F21, Boutique | Watch: Dior

This schoolgirl-inspired look is brought to you tights-free by the insanely warm weather that continues to make my January days much less dreary and bleak. The tweed shift dress I'm wearing here was a LOFT purchase a year or two ago that has made appearances at a whole host of different places and occasions so far. It has been to work, to church, to cocktail parties, and to dinners out, all while looking totally appropriate for the occasion. A sheath dress is a wardrobe essential in my book, and this one has proven to be especially versatile.

Readers, do you have a workhorse sheath dress in your closet? If so, where did you find it?

Petite Work Attire: Texture in Black and Red

Photos: Katie Derus | Jacket: Ann Taylor (similar on sale here, similar in petite sizing here) | Skirt: Ann Taylor (somewhat similar here) | Shoes:Via Spiga | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (similar here)(Cranberry Morning After Mini last seen here)| Brooch: Boutique (similar here) | Bracelets: Nordstrom, J.Crew, F21, Boutique

When I need to dress conservatively, I like to add a little interest to my ensemble with colorful--but tasteful--shoes and accesories. I also try to mix subtle textures in monochromatic materials to create a look that draws the eye but doesn't stand out too much.

In this outfit, I spiced things up by adding these Via Spiga red snakeskin pumps, a red bag, fun bracelets, and a brooch to my black outfit. In the detail shots, you can also see that the jacket is a tweedy material trimmed with a little ribbed black ribbon, while the skirt has a tonal dot texture that both complements and contrasts with the jacket.

I've had a couple reader questions about my work style, so I was wondering if you all think it might be helpful to have me do a more in-depth post about the ways I spice up my conservative work wardrobe. What do you think, readers?

Bright in the Sunlight

Photos: Katie Derus | Jacket: Aeropostale | Cardigan: Express (similar here) | Tee: F21 (last seen here)| Shoes: Charles Jourdan | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Sunglasses: Target | Bracelets: Express, Nordstrom, Tiffany | Watch: Borrowed

I couldn't believe it was warm enough to wear sandals this past weekend. Sandals. In Denver. In January. I was in heaven! There was still a little bit of chill in the air when the wind picked up, but a lightweight jacket took care of that. This is what I love about Denver--the moment I start feeling some winter blues creeping up on me, the weather changes suddenly and gives me a gorgeous spring day in the dead of winter to lift my spirits.

Bright colors have been consistently at the top of my winter love list this year. There's nothing like a jolt of bright pink, yellow, and cobalt blue to breathe some life into the shorter days and frozen nights of mid-winter. Oh, and there's no reason you need a January heat wave to put your brights to work. This look can be made cold-weather-appropriate and totally of-the-moment with some textured tights, some motorcycle boots, a bright scarf, and a leather jacket layered over the cardigan and cargo jacket pictured here.