Metallic Pops

J. Crew Sweater; Tory Burch Skirt (budget-friendly option); J. Crew Belt; Michael Michael Kors Pumps; Rebecca Minkoff Bag // Alice + Olivia Blazer (also love this more conservative option); Monserat De Lucca Clutch; Tibi Pants (on sale!); J. Crew Heels // Reiss Top (another favorite on sale); J. Crew Skirt; Alexis Bittar Bangles one and two; Charles David Pumps

Now that the holidays are over, you probably think it is time to put away the flashy favorites.  Not so fast.  Metallics are a fresh way to transition into spring.  Metallics look great paired with spring brights and pastels.  They even add a little edge to poppy prints and florals.  At the office, metallics invite a different look than your standard neutrals.  Nervous about being too flashy at work?  Start small.  Metallic accessories are a hit for spring and will add a new dimension to your look.  A little shimmer is always a good thing.

I hope you all had a great weekend.  A cold front came into town here in Texas, so it looks like winter is sticking around for a little longer.  Looking forward to a great week!

P.S. I created a new Pinterest board devoted to workwear style.  Follow it here.

Images via 1, 2, 3

Sweaters + Skirts

Topshop; T By Alexander Wang; Shoemint // Tibi; Madewell; Sam Edelman // Duffy; Kate Spade; DV by Dolce Vita

I love the juxtaposition of a slouchy sweater with a mini skirt.  The two are unexpected, yet seemingly perfect together.  As we get ready to switch seasons, this look will serve you well for the transition into spring.  The versatility of this look allows you to dress it down with a knit skirt and moto boots, or style it up for a fancier affair with a flashy skirt and high-heeled booties.

I hope you all have a great weekend! I am looking forward to continuing the birthday celebrations this weekend!

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Now or Never

I have been meaning to do this post for some time, but it seemed most fitting after the start of the new year. Some people grow up knowing what they want to do with their life, others have to do some serious soul-searching to figure it out. I was somewhere in between. Growing up, I wanted to be a broadcast journalist. Not just any broadcast journalist – Katie Couric on the Today show to be exact. I followed that dream through my first year of college as a journalism major. After my university cut the journalism department, it was time to make a change. I fell into communications as a similar major. Then, I faced the question, what do I want to do with my life? Being a lawyer had always been in the back of my mind. As a fiery young girl, family and friends always suggested that I become a lawyer. But, I really did not have any idea what lawyers do on a day-to-day basis. My junior year of college, I made the decision to go to law school. I made the decision based on silly things, like my best friend was also going to law school, I had no idea what kind of job I wanted with a communications major, and I kind of felt like my family expected me to go to graduate school of some kind. So, I signed myself up to incur some serious debt, and off to law school I went.

Lucky for me, law school was the right fit. The practice of law and I just kind of clicked. After graduating, it took a few tries to find the right job. Again, lucky for me, I eventually ended up at the right firm, working with people I admire, and practicing a type of law that I enjoy. The plus side? My job challenges me every single day. I get to meet great people, be a part of something bigger than myself, and actually help people (sounds cliché, but true). I am in a daily pursuit to be a better advocate, a better counselor, and a better leader. The down side? My job (probably not unlike many of yours) is stressful and demanding. I am never officially off the clock. What do I do when I get overwhelmed with work? I daydream – about fashion.

So, I started this blog. I love fashion, but the reality is, a career in fashion design or styling is probably not in the cards for me. Plus, I kind of think I would miss the law. This blog provides me a creative outlet to explore and share fashion with other professional women – such a treat! It provides me the inspiration and creativity I need to be a better lawyer and a better person. Are there days I wonder if I should have pursued a career in fashion? Sure there are. But, I will never regret going to law school. It provided me with lifelong skills that transcend the legal profession. With a law degree, the possibilities are endless. I will always be proud to be a lawyer. And maybe, just maybe, someday my two worlds will collide into one dream opportunity I cannot even imagine.

I have several close friends that are considering a career change. My advice? Go for it! Now! You may fail, you will make mistakes, but you will have no regrets, and you will be better for it. Life is too short to not do what you love, to wake up every day and go to a job you hate, or to be stuck in a daunting routine life. It is never too late to pursue your passion. Change, uncertainty, and that shaky feeling in the pit of your stomach are good for the soul. It is a new year. New things are possible. If you have an itch to pursue something new – be it a job, a relationship, or a side project, go for it. It is time to start living the life you imagined.

Thinking about a career change? Or just made one? Tell me about it – I would love to hear about your experience!

Hope you all are having a great week!

All images via theyallhateus.com

Today, I officially enter into the last year of my twenties. I have to admit, getting close to the thirties is a little scary, but mostly exciting. Hey, things can only get better, right? For my big day, I bring you my birthday wish list featuring some of my current favorites.

1. Clover Canyon is quickly becoming one of my favorite brands. The unique, vibrant prints that define this brand transform everyday favorites into instant statement pieces. This blazer will look great with jeans on the weekend or with black pants for work.

2. There is nothing like the power of a great pair of shoes. Shoes with a little bit of shine can take your typical work outfit and make it something memorable. I am craving these metallic pumps for a sleek and shiny look, and these metallic flats for casual Friday’s at the office.

3. Tibi’s new arrivals are bright, fresh, and fun. Their spring line is full of great transition pieces to take you from the office to happy hour or dinner with friends with style. My favorite is this coral skirt. Now, if only I can get over my fear of wearing white to the office…

4. An ideal tote is one that is sophisticated enough for the workweek, but fun enough for the weekend. This Loeffler Randall tote works for both. With neutral colors and a pop of snakeskin, it will go with everything and add a touch of luxe to your look. I saw it in person recently, and the rich, buttery leather is to die for. I also love it in blue here.

5. Confession: I can shop for clothes all day long, but when it comes to getting new items for my condo, I dream big, but rarely act. I tend to get comfortable with the ways things are and neglect to seek out really great pieces that will add something special to my home. So, this year, I am resolving to put more effort into my home decor. I have decided to start small by adding chic accent pieces to change up the look and feel of my living area. Lulu & Georgia has unique, modern pieces that have a classy feel. This pillow and table are on my wish list. Do you have home stores you love? Let me know!

Hope you all have a great day! Thanks for stopping by!

Gap shirt; Banana Republic Skirt; Dorothy Perkins Sweater; Nine West Pumps; Kate Spade Bracelets in White, Black, Yellow; Ann Taylor Loft Pants; Gap Blazer; Steven Flats; Reiss Pants; Reiss Skirt; BB Dakota Jacket; Banana Republic Sweater; White House Black Market Skirt 

This is probably one of my favorite Professionista On A Budget features.   With so many great pieces on sale, and so many new arrivals for spring, there are great budget-friendly picks to choose from.  I am a winter baby, but I cannot help looking forward to spring fashion full of fresh florals and bright colors.  I love each of these pieces – they all have a little flair for the office.

It’s back to work for a full week.  Hope you have a great week getting back into the swing of things!