Hello, Framboise!: Ann Taylor

Showing posts with label Ann Taylor. Show all posts

Monday, February 22, 2016

Work Outfit: Neutral Separates

J Crew No 2 Pencil Skirt + Ann Taylor Tweed Jacket

Jacket: Ann Taylor (old, similar here) | Blouse: Ann Taylor | Skirt: J.Crew (on sale!)
Shoes: Loeffler Randall (current version) | Bag: Valentino | Sunglasses: Karen Walker
Bracelet: Vita Fede | Watch: Michael Kors | Necklace: Roberto Coin
Earrings: Trina Turk via Rocksbox (use my code helloframboisexoxo for a month of free jewels)

Today I'm sharing a work outfit I wore to the office last week. The warm weather in Denver lately meant I could skip tights with this look (which feels completely crazy in February).

The jacket I'm wearing is one of my favorites. Although it can be worn just like a typical black blazer, the tweed fabric, grosgrain trim, and shorter sleeves make it look more interesting and feminine. I've found that three-quarters or bracelet sleeves can be more flattering on a petite frame than full-length sleeves, so quite a few of my jackets have shorter sleeves. I also like how a shorter jacket looks proportionally.

Suits are a mainstay in my work wardrobe, but when I'm not in trial, I wear a lot of separates to the office. The look is a little less formal but allows for more variety in my outfits. Mixing and matching lets me get more use out of my work pieces, and putting together just a couple neutral colors keeps the look appropriately professional.

Hope you had a great weekend--happy Monday!

x, Tam

Monday, January 25, 2016

Work Outfit: Wraps + Wide Legs

Blouse: Ann Taylor (similar solid color or collared version)
Pants: Arden B. (old, similar from Ann Taylor in petite and regular)
Bag: Givenchy (the exact version I have is on a great sale now at Bluefly or you can find the new season's blue for pre-order at Nordstrom) | Shoes: L.K. Bennett 'Sledge'
Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Necklaces: Brian Gavin, Roberto Coin | Watch: The Horse

Today I'm sharing a very simple, but still chic, work outfit. The interest in this looks relies upon the draping of the wrap blouse and the wide leg pants. I paired simple black pumps (my favorite work shoes, the L.K. Bennett 'Sledge' pumps) with my black trousers to keep the focus on the drape of the pants, although I think many other colors of shoes could have worked well with this outfit.

If could definitely wear this look to my office, but for court, I'd need to add a black blazer (like the J.Crew 'Rhodes' I wore in this post) and probably a larger bag that can fit files in it (like my workhorse Longchamp Le Pliage Neo). Confession: I usually have walking shoes along with my in my workbag to make my commute a little easier. Right now I've been loving my Steve Madden lace-up Eleanorr flats--they're on-trend, but still very comfortable to walk in, even for several miles.

Thanks for reading! Happy Monday!

x, Tam

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Work Outfit: Coral and Black Dots

The last time I posted about this polka-dot top from Banana Republic, I talked about how easy it was to style it casually, as I did in my previous post, or for work. After a reader encouraged me, I decided to show you how made this top appropriate for work as well. I think it'll be a great transition piece for layering into fall, so I'm looking forward to wearing it several more times before the cooler weather takes over.

Hope you're having a great week!

x, Tam

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Independence Day

David Yurman Cable Collectibles Necklaces

Saturday post today because I had a much-needed lazy day yesterday--I spend lots of time our at our pool, cleaning our house, and relaxing with some books I've been meaning to pick up for weeks. The Fourth was lovely here--not too exciting, but it was exactly the kind of day I was hoping to have.

Hope you had a lovely holiday, too!

x, Tam

Monday, October 21, 2013

Falling Leaves

Last week what a whirlwind kind of week--hope you didn't miss me too much here. I've been busy at work, but I've also been working on a few calligraphy projects lately. They have been time-consuming, but they are actually quite relaxing. I really like how rhythmic and meditative lettering is, plus sending out my final products to family and friends makes me so happy (from what I hear, it makes them happy too!).

I am thinking about blogging a little about hand-lettering and modern calligraphy. I have had lots of inquiries from you wonderful readers and Instagram followers asking where to begin and which supplies to purchase. The answers to these questions need much more than a quick email's worth of space (trust me). Please tell me which of the following four options you think would be best and would interest you the most.

Calligraphy Content Survey

1) Integrate calligraphy posts in this blog, which will still be much more personal style than calligraphy, but there would be a little calligraphy and lettering thrown in.

2) Move calligraphy posts to a second blog dedicated only to lettering.

3) I'm not really interested in looking at or doing calligraphy, but I don't really care where you put it.

4) I'm not really interested in looking at or doing calligraphy, and I'd rather not see it on this page.

I'd be so grateful if you guys would give me some feedback on this in the comments. I don't want to launch into something new without seeing if it will work for my readers. I am also re-opening anonymous commenting, so all of you who read but don't have a sign-in account can post to your hearts' content. Can't wait to hear what you think!

Monday, July 15, 2013

Paisley Patterns

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Date Night Spots

I broke out these leopard-print pants from last fall for a dinner date al fresco a couple nights ago. It was so nice to be out in the evening, watching the sunset in a light blouse and no jacket!

Monday, May 13, 2013

Work Outfit: Cobalt & Polka Dots

This outfit is a good representation of what I've been up to lately: work, work, and more work! The next couple months are going to be very busy for me, so I will be doing my best to keep up with regular posts, but it might be a little sporadic.

Fortunately, I was able to take a break this weekend and spend some quality time with my amazing mom--I'm so lucky to have her! Readers, what did you do to celebrate this Mother's Day?

Monday, April 29, 2013

Seersucker Soiree

The past weekend in Denver was so warm and gorgeous--it downright felt like summer. I broke out this seersucker dress I haven't worn in ages for a birthday celebration dinner, and I didn't need the cardigan I had stuffed in my bag until we were leaving the restaurant well after dark. I added darker-colored accessories to make this day dress more appropriate for evening. I'm thinking I may recycle this dress for the upcoming Derby, especially if it ends up being as hot as it has been the last couple years.

Hope all of you had a nice, sunny weekend, too!

Thursday, April 11, 2013

To the Max

Friday, March 29, 2013

Work Outfit: Need for Tweed

Confession: I'm terrible about going to the tailor. My strategy is usually to buy the best fit I can off-the-rack and have my mom do a hem or shorten shoulder straps if need be (thanks, Mom!).

With suits, however, tailoring is almost always required. In the professional world, being competent and professional is not enough--one has to also look competent, confident, and professional. This is especially true for petite women.

This suit was a Christmas gift from my parents, and while it looked passable off-the-rack, I knew it could look great with a slimmer, more fitted silhouette. I had the jacket's sides slimmed, sleeves shortened, and armholes brought up. I had the skirt taken in at the waist, which made the length more flattering since it now sits higher on my waist, plus it has the added benefit of more reliably keeping a tucked-in blouse or shell where it's supposed to be. These seemingly minor tweaks changed the look of this suit so much, and I felt very confident and put-together when I wore it for an exceptionally challenging day at work yesterday.

For anyone who might be looking for a tailor in Denver, the one I've been seeing for the past year or so has done a marvelous job with every piece I've left with him and his lovely wife. Erol and Filiz of Erol's Tailoring are so kind and talented, and they work quickly while still making sure that you are getting exactly what you're hoping and expecting. I've sent some friends with wedding dresses his way in the last few months, and it seems they have been very satisfied.

P.S. Don't forget to enter here to win my hot pink Cambridge Satchel! This giveaway runs through April 3, 2013.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Work Outfit: Dot, Spot, & Houndstooth

Going through recent posts during my redesign process, I noticed I haven't posted a work outfit in a while! As I was creating this post, I also realized my work style has evolved a bit over the last couple years, from strictly no-nonsense suits and shells to more dresses and separates. I adore dresses for work as they tend to look neater at the end of a busy, stressful day--no rumpled jackets, creased pants, or untucked blouses to wrangle make for a happier and more put-together me.

The dress I'm wearing in these photos was a recent purchase at Ann Taylor Factory, and I love the way they turned this fun, graphic print into a work-appropriate dress that pairs nicely with a lot of the black and white pieces that dominate my work wardrobe. It reminds me of another Ann Taylor dress I own where a neutral palette was used to make a leopard print more work-friendly.