So - I wanted to do a post about business appropriate work items for people who like to dress with a bit of edge. Now let me be clear, these aren't just for people who are dressing all in black to look more grown up or to be more intimidating. These are people who are, perhaps, goth in their personal style or otherwise like to look tough or edgy in their style. Now - much of what I post here would normally fit the "ladylike" or even "girly" side of the coin. And I'm not going to recommend studded belts or collars for work (which I know you wouldn't wear unless you work in a VERY creative field) - but I'm going to suggest some edgier work wear items to be paired with otherwise neutral items to allow you, my little gothic lovlies, to slip some of your edgy soul into your work wear without scaring the puppy-shirt loving office administrator or the 70-year-old managing partner.  
Tracy Reese Brocade Pencil Skirt at Neiman Marcus ($90 - so I clicked on this because I liked the skirt but then I liked the sweater with leather sleeves too.  I think a brocaded burgundy skirt like this is sort of sneaky edge; a bit vintage  but cool if paired with a very modern top - like here with leather. I really like this version; not too much like a couch cushion and a lovely color.)
Marc New York by Andrew Marc Black Sheath Dress with piping at Nordstroms ($138 - love the piping here - not only would it be great for women with longer or mid-length waists to emphasize their shapes, but it takes a plain black dress and adds interest without making it work inappropriate.  Also the shape is a bit different but not crazy. With a cropped jacket in any color this would be great for work.)
ASOS Pants in Wide Leg in Berry at ASOS ($34.99 - these are maybe questionable, but I love the idea of these with a wide, black leather belt and a black or contrasting shirt and then a long, beaded statement necklace [or the Boden military blazer right below this!].  Usually berry isn't an "edgy" color, but I think the combination of the palazzo cut and hard styling could make this an exciting outfit, you know?)
Fitzrovia Jacket in navy with white piping at Boden ($98 - "Military style" blazers are all over the place right now, but I like the piping and color of this one, which keeps it from being *too* casual or military. I think the ones that are military khaki green are too casual and some of the more super structured ones are a little hard to wear for a lot of women who aren't petite - this would look nice on lots of shapes and is nice.)
Gliding on Style Top at ModCloth ($47.99 - I don't usually love peplum, but if you paired this with a black pencil skirt and a bright colored pendant necklace and fabulous earrings and heels and...god...curvy women would look amazing.  Anyway - seriously cool.)
Antonio Melanie Rikki Pinstripe Waistcoat at Dillard's ($119 - I am of the opinion that everyone should wear waistcoats.  Wear it with a silk blouse and then a looser pair of trousers. Or get the matching pants and have an androgynous day or a colored pencil skirt and show off your butt.  Either way, if it fits right, everyone loves a good waistcoat and you can pretend to be Tom Hiddleston or Matt Bomer for the day.)
Fashion Star Pencil Skirt with Leather Appliques by Daniel Silverstein at Saks Fifth Avenue ($150 - leather skirts are very trendy, but I think leather pencil skirts may not be work appropriate but I think some of the pencil skirts with leather detailing are exceptions. Just a leather waistband though are no fun - this one is FUN. Paired with a burgundy blouse or blazer and black heels - this would be beautiful. I actually wouldn't pair it with a black shirt so that the leather can shine.)
Cooper & Ella Crochet Trim Blouse in black at Piperlime ($89 - okay there are a million black blouses in the world - but I like the crochet detail on the shoulders of this one - adding a little difference. Also, the soft way it hangs, and the v-neck is a nice cut but isn't too low.)
4.collection black and gray printed flare dress at Saks Fifth Avenue ($298 - I hope this dress would be longer on women of average height - but I love that this is an A-line dress but not girly - which they often are. Add a fitted black or gray blazer and maybe a gray leather belt and whatever color shoes your mind can imagine and you've got a great look. Plus this is practically made for dramatic jewelry.)
Ann Klein Faux Leather Skirt in tan ($49 - limited sizes - I think this is one of the exceptions to the general rule against leather pencil skirts are inappropriate for work because it is so neutral and simple.  Another exception are a-line leather skirts, like this one that Banana Republic used to have.  I think the key is that the skirts not be too tight, not be black [black being very "biker" for some reason] and that the skirt and styling be as neutral as humanly possible.)
Mural Faux Leather Vest at Nordstroms ($52.26 - okay - not really work appropriate, though it comes in white and you might be able to get away with that, but these are so in right now I wanted to share it.  I'd wear a red or navy long sleeve henley tee under it with black skinny jeans and moto boots or flats (depending how "hard core" you want to look) with maybe some brightly colored bangles to add osme color to it.)
Jack Rogers Red/Black Carla Pointed Toe Flat at Neiman Marcus Last Call ($90.30) and Melissa Closed-Toe Slip-Ons ($76) - I think both of these shoes are fantastic honestly.  So I've gone for red and black obviously, but you don't need to.  You can go with just black if you want to - hey - if you're rich, how about these spiked Christian Louboutins?  The black and gold trend in shoes is also great - or the striped trend.  Whatever works best for you.
Grotto Long Frontal Necklace at Nordstrom ($38 - I like this, comes in lots of colors so you don't HAVE to stick with black or dark blue (;-P) and I like the addition of gold for a little shine.  The longer length of necklace would look great with a lot of the looks above especially the dresses, the vest, and the peplum top - though the peplum top might loop a bit better with a true pendant like this.
So - what do you think readers - do any of you have an edgier look?  Are these things you would wear?  What do you think - other than my love of skulls, I'm not particularly edgy (one of my skull scarfs is sea foam green - you can't really consider me to be hard core whatsoever....I find my love of skulls to be generally ironic.)  Leave some comments in the comments sections (and if you don't know where that is, click the link in the title and go through to the post's main page and look at the bottom of the screen!  Don't worry, your e-mail won't show up.)
 
Reader DB asked for light colored summer suits

Now - since this was a question from a personal friend I don't actually have a traditional "question" to put here but the question really got me excited; I am actually going to give her recommendations via e-mail, but the request inspired me to do a post on the subject.  When the weather gets warm but you work in a line of work that requires suits everyday (or even just sometimes), nothing beats a summer weight light suit to keep cool but still give off an air of authority and put-togetherness.  Though I will note that I personally would not wear a light colored suit to court or to an interview (unless the court was a more casual court - like for example probate - where practitioners are there frequently - it seemed the wardrobe for lawyers was maybe slightly more laid back.)  But for meetings or depositions or something a little less formal, they can be a great option.

One last big plus, in my book, is that I think light colored suits can be used as separates MUCH more easily than other suits - I use the jacket from my tan/beige Talbots suit to wear over dresses all the time (see this post from yesterday on Tumblr) and I find the skirt is great for pairing with other jackets or cardigans because it reads as just a neutral tan skirt (which admittedly most black skirts from suits can as well, the jackets are usually the problem.)

Okay - that was a digression that I didn't mean to take - lets move on to the suits!
Linen One-Button Stellita fit Jacket at Brooks Brothers ($328 - all my best suits come from BB [factory outlet though] and I love the color of this suit, pencil skirt is here, its the perfect, conservative tan linen suit for summer.  If you have the cash that is.)
All-Season Stretch Seamed Sheath Dress at Ann Taylor ($99.99 - okay only one size is available currently in the dress - but here's the rest of the "cedar heather" seasonless suiting.  I think the color is lovely for a spring/summer suit for a "serious" office.)
Mario Matteo Women's suit in gray at YOOX ($485 - sizes 4-10 available. I really like this suit because the zoom view on the website shows that there is actual a slight check or herringbone design on it.  It's lovely - though I know nothing about the designer so can't comment on price vs. quality.)
Factory linen suiting blazer in pearl at J-Crew Factory ($111 - most sizes still available - this is the odd situation where this goes with the item next to it.  I personally LOVE the dress/suit combo and this pearl color is beautiful.  I know some people have objections to J-Crew Factory quality (I've never bought there, their stuff doesn't work for my body shape) but this is so lovely maybe its worth the risk?)
Factory linen Button Tab Shift Dress at J-Crew Factory ($96 - I *love* the shape of this dress.  In fact, I'm wearing a Tahari dress today in this exact shape.  Together with the blazer this would make a lovely, lovely suit for meetins, depositions, maybe even court for more casual motions sessions.  I just...love it.  I know quality may be an issue - but the pricing is decent and they're both linen so great for summer.)
Step-Twill Jacket  ($199) to be paired with the Heritage Fit Straight Leg Trousers in Khaki from Talbots ($119 - not shown - I may own this precise suit, I'm not sure, but I like it - the step-twill which you need to zoom in on the website's picture to see is a lovely detail.  Talbot's standard seasonless wool also has a nice tan suit - but I'm not in love with the length of the blazer - unless you happen to be long waisted and then high-six for you.
Linen-blend logo button suit jacket at Calvin Klein ($79.99 - now, I don't wear white suits and I know a lot of people won't wear full white suits, but this blazer is lovely.  I love the structure and the way the bottom curves outward and the lapel is lovely.  These are the pants meant for the suit and the jacket also comes in a one-button varietal.  Honestly though, I'd wear this as a separate, either with something safe like navy trousers or to turn up the volume a bit, these red logo linen pants that go with the same suit, but in red.  The combo would be fab I think.)
St. John's Collection Fitted Tweed Jacket and Pencil Skirt in lilac multi at Nordtroms ($ALOT$ - but what is life if we can't fantisize about owning a fabulous tweed, purple suit?  Really?)
Tahari ASL Two Piece Pants Suit with shawl collar at Lord & Taylor ($125.99 - the colors are listed as ivory and beige, though it reads darker and the jacket is linen but pants are poly - though that may be a good way to avoid pant wrinkles while still staying cooler.  This suit is sort of suit separates really, but I liked it so much I picked it anyway - and shawl collars are great for my bustier ladies.
Tan-Tor Seamed One Button Jacket and Seamed Pencil Skirt at Reiss - US ($360/$180 - if you had told me a year ago that I'd be taking you to the nearest mental institution to be checked out.  But this is beautiful and for the long of waist it would look amazing - there are pants as well btw.  I think its also a nice way for younger persons to rock the colored suit; plus, each separate would be GREAT on its own.  Basically, high five Reiss - well done achieving the near impossible of making me want a SALMON suit.)
Anne Klein Suit, Four Button at Macy's ($139.99 on-sale - available in all sizes up to 14 - I don't personally like four button suits, but I know for those who do, they are very hard to find.  My biggest worry with this suit is it may be polyester - so it may not breathe great for summer but the price might be worth it.  Also I swear I don't work for Macy's but they're having a suit sale this week.)
Summer Wave Suit Skirt from White House Black Market ($88 - available in all sizes up to 16.  I'm highlighting the skirt in this suit because I love the piping on it that gives it interest.  The blazer with this suit is a little - odd - like what you might wear to a business formal safari where you'd be the most boringly dressed person there? Maybe I'm being harsh - has anyone tried it on?
Tahari by ASL Chain Trim Tweed jacket and skirt at Macy's ($114.99 - this may be the item that makes you all think I've gone batty, but this pink and white tweed is lovely.  And I amazingly (mind-blowingly frankly) love how the chain trim is executed here.  It is delicate and worn with minimal gold jewelry and nude or brown or light peach/pink shoes, I think it adds interest to a conservative suit.)  
So that's all she wrote for now folks.  Go forth and lawyer or doctor or banker or computer/civil/mechanical engineer (or robotics...can't forget them or a friend of mine from college would be sad) or politic or activist in nice light colored suits for summer.  Because here's my thing about light colored suits - and actually all slightly non-traditional clothing choices - especially for younger women.  I think bright colors and big jewelry, as long as its still within the professional sphere, is a huge powerplay for a professional woman.  It says "I'm here, I'm me, I wear feminine/androgynous/colorful/punky clothes, and I'm still going to kick your ass because I'm better than you."  

Anyway - that's my theory.  Wear what you want with enough confidence - following the basic rules of decency and dressing to flatter as best you can - and you will be perceived as more powerful.  At least in my experience.  I L.O.V.E. seeing female execs or partners or whatever who rock fashionable chic looks that are just a little edgy* - it works for me.  Does it work for you dear readers?  Let me know in the comments.

And by "edgy" here I don't mean the shameful display of "punk rock fashion" that we all saw at the Met Ball - I mean business execs or partners at law firms who have wardrobes that are just outside the "business" norm - so they don't wear all black, navy, and gray or they DO wear all black, navy, and gray but in interesting ways - and they have fabulous or artsy or hippie jewelry.  And they wear interesting shoes.  That sort of thing.  Things that differentiate their wardrobe from the corporate uniform.  I love it. Especially when it tells me something about them as a person.
 
Reader AW of the longer and wider than average feet wrote back to ask

Hi TCFKAG, Thanks for helping me with my wide flats request. I noticed that you mentioned that you love navy and berry colors. Those are my base/accent colors too! Would you mind sharing some of your personal favorites? Accessories would be fun too! Sorry for all the ?'s... I wore a military uniform for 10 years and I am slowly trying to build a quality casual/work wardrobe. PS- too shy to share your blog on Facebook, but I did show your blog to my ma and I am thrilled that she is learning to navigate the internet by looking at your blog.

So - I'm totally happy to do this - within reason.  I can't post pictures of everything in my wardrobe because (a) that'd be insane and (b) mostly because of a.  What I am going to do instead is post my favorite go-to items (mostly work though I'll possibly through in a few casual items) - I'll try to find the originals on-line if they are still available for purchase, but if not, I'll find the closest item I can.  

A couple of provisos, though my personal style has improved dramatically in the past three years or so, I am still far from the most fashionable person in the world (or even in the 10 mile radius around my house.) In fact, I never thought much at all about my wardrobe until I began reading Corporette. It was there that I learned a great deal about the importance of fit, of finding my true waistline and understanding what clothes work with that, and of the impression made on others when certain faux pas are made or when you just generally represent yourself sloppily, and it was also on Corporette that I learned a great deal about how certain contrasting colors complement each other - and learned that I had a good instinct for those types of questions. I also discovered that I had a special talent for what I do here - internet shopping for others when given almost any parameters. This was quite the surprise since nothing in my background or in my personal style would suggest having these skills or having the eye to select the best looking or best quality items if I did find them.  [Think these skills sound great and would you like a personalized exposure to my method and some back and forth on results - enter the contest and you will be entered in a raffle just for that. 

 As for my workplace style, I dress to be business appropriate for that office, but with just enough color and flare to give the impression that I have enough self-confidence and dymanism to escape the "office wardrobe" of slacks or a skirt, a button down shirt, or a shell and a cardigan every day.  I came to this idea somewhat organically, but if you pay attention long enough to pictures of most powerful female politicians, business people, or non-profit management, they are rarely dressed in just black, gray, or navy. So what I'm saying is - there's a reason this is a shopping blog and not a "fashion" blog where I take pictures of my daily wardrobe (well, that and I'm an attorney hunting for a job...so I guard my internet presence.)  


Finally, before we get started....HELLO AW'S MOM!!!!  Welcome to the crazy world of my mind and the slightly strange hobby that has rescued my budget by allowing me to shop for other people rather than myself.  Now on to the clothes! 

Silk Shell from Ann Taylor in Plum Brandy ($44 - but not available anymore - see also Ponte Peplum Shell at AT Loft ($44.50 - 
Draycott Skirt from in navy at Boden ($52.80 for this option - prices vary based on color.  Fabric is stretchy and soft but utterly professional.  I love it.)
Pewter pumps from Bella-Vita Zappos ($89.95 - two shades of gray) and Cole Haan at Amazon ($147.48 - very lucky sizes only). I love my pewter shoes, wear them daily basically.
Lambswool Navy Blue Blazer at Brooks Brothers 
($139.20 - This is on-sale and an pretty damn good deal for BB. I have a very similar blazer to this (linings different) from a couple of years ago.  I LOVE it and wear it sometimes 4 days a week. In fact, I kind of want to order this  too so I can lessen the load on the first one, plus...POLKA DOTS.  Here is a link to another good looking navy blazer - but I think its in suiting material so less easy to pair with different color bottoms in suiting fabrics..)
Signature Silk Dots Shirt from C. Wonder ($128 - so, I have a lovely silk polka-dot button down shirt from Land's End Canvas maybe two or three years ago (?) that was a Corporette recommendation.  So its obviously not on sale anymore, but this C. Wonder shirt is similar and I love coral and coral-like pinks in spring and summer.  If you want something in red or navy though, I'd check out these great options at Boden. 
Nic + Zoe Red Ponte Sheath Dress (no longer available)  I just recently saw this Land's End dress that is VERY similar.  The radish or cobalt would both be great with Navy.
Tina Silk Blouse with multi dot print from Pendleton (no longer available - but see the Pendleton blouse I posted below.)
Double Strand Beaded Turquoise Necklace on Amazon ($52) and Turquoise clip on earrings ($19.99) own both. I'm including them here because turquoise is a GREAT third color to bring into a berry/ navy outfit.  
3/4 Sleeve Ponte Knit Drapey Faux Wrap Dress in rich eggplant by Land's End ($22.97 but lucky sizes only - I actually own two eggplant purple faux wrap dresses but neither are for sale anymore - but this is the general idea. If and of you, my lovely readers, are the lucky size - I'd snap this up quick. I find my versions of this to be SO very, very, very versatile.
Halogen Seamed Pencil Skirt in Red Beauty from Nordstroms ($41.40 - it seems almost silly to put this up here - but they are the most basic building block of my wardrobe.  I don't actually own this color; I own black, slate gray, fuchsia, and cobalt blue. But this color looks pretty on the screen, so I might just add it to my collection!
THINGS I DON'T OWN BUT THAT I WOULD BUY IN A HOT MINUTE
Striped Knit Boat Neck Dress in navy at Banana Republic ($109.99 lucky sizes only on-line but other sizes may be in-store.)
Floral Print Blouse from Zara ($49.90 - just think with the navy blazer - might need to have a hook-and-eye closure added on the neckline to raise it a bit.)
Floral Ruched Wrap Dress from M&S (35 pounds - but free shipping to US for limited time.)
Capped Sleeve A-Line Dress in sea glass at Talbots ($109 - could wait for it to go on sale since it almost certainly will.  I'm including this because I love the sleeves and the waist definition.  I also think you should consider pairing this shade of blue with all of the navy in your wardrobe, its a beautiful combo. Add in gold, green, or yellow jewelry and you have a showstopper.)
Andrea Tunic at Pendleton ($128 - available in Misses, Petite, and Plus sizes.  I like that its a tunic so you can wear it belted as shown or tucked in and I love the pattern and I've been thrilled with the quality of my Pendleton purchase.  My only tip would be to keep an eye on it and see if it goes on sale, I got my silk blouse from Pendleton for $29.99.  So...maybe don't pay full price?

FUNNY EDITOR'S NOTE: For my readers who also read Corporette (i.e. a sizable majority of you, I believe, I just saw  this suit at Brooks Brothers while looking for something else and it appears they've also gotten into the long suit jacket "trend" (that I had no idea was coming back.)  This one is a MUCH more appropriate office length and I like the light gray color more.  It is practically screaming for a belt though.  (I'm still not completely sold on this look - despite the fact that Ally McBeal was on television during my formative years and thus influenced my perception of "workplace wear" AND the Cake song "Short Skirt Long Jacket" that would be stuck in my head all day and make me feel like a BAMF wherever I went.

SERIOUS EDITOR'S NOTE: As you can see, I tried out a new format today.  What do you think?  Does it work and can you associate the links and notes more easily with the pictures or does it break up the flow too much?  Any comments you could give me would be so helpful!  Leave it in the comments below and I'll love you forever and ever!

So there you have it people, my sense of style...or else, some snapshot of my sense of style.  Noticeably absent are the Captain America pajama pants and my LL Bean sweatshirt robe that I spend an inordinate amount of time in.  But we all have our vices, mine just happens to be superhero pajamas.  There's nothing wrong with that!  
 
Reader LS wrote:

I have a deep purpley-pink cardigan that goes so well with everything in my wardrobe I wear it about once a week, and would love to find a blazer in the same color for under $100 or so. This jacket from White House Black Market is the perfect color, but I don't want to go up near the top of my price range for something with peplum and dramatic gap under the button... it's just a little too trendy to be a workwear staple for me. I'd also be open to other shades of pink - especially blush - and even prints incorporating pink, as long as the blazers don't look too Barbie or ladies-who-lunch. I'm a size small, and can't wear blazers with three or more buttons without looking disproportionate. Love your blog! You've already convinced me to buy one Land's End dress, and I'm seriously, seriously tempted by that Free People maxi you posted yesterday (hopefully it goes on sale soon).

Okay!  This is a fun one since purple and other berry shades are my absolute favorite colors and serve as the backbone of my personal wardrobe.  I actually have a terrific blazer in this exact shade from H&M (unfortunately its about four years old) that I wear all the time on weekends and occasionally to work when I'm feeling sassy.  I also think a darker blush blazer would be lovely for spring and summer.  So lets get started shall we?  For those shopping along at home, this is the WHBM blazer that LS likes.
While I have to agree that this is a lovely blazer in theory (purple, fitted, would go with lots of things for summer), the construction is all wrong.  The button is too high for a single button jacket and the peplum is hitting the model in entirely the wrong place.  I think we can do better.  I am going to look for purple and pink blazers for you with a fitted shape - and I may even throw in a burgundy or berry one two since its in the same color family and I think  you might really like it.  So here are some options.
Halogen Linen Blend Blazer in pink wild aster from Nordstroms ($98 - color is described as pink but definitely reads as purplish on my screen - beautiful shape in my opinion but I know its at the top of the budget.  Comes in petite sizes also as well as khaki and black for my other readers.)Pendleton Women's Bettina Boiled Blazer in burgundy at Amazon ($90 - lovely boiled wool blazer.)
Worthington Sateen Blazer in madrid purple at JC Penney ($35.99 - like the WHBM one, this blazer is pretty trendy - open front, double lapel, sateen, etc.  But the price is also much lower meaning that if you didn't wear it all the time or got over it quickly, it wouldn't be as big a deal.  That's actually my main philosophy with trendy items; I don't mind buying them, I just don't want to spend a lot of money on them.)
Apt. 9 Ponte Knit Blazer in ship red at Kohls ($21 - I think this color reads as a blush pink rather than red and the shape is classic - and who doesn't like a ponte knit blazer for summer.  Kohl's quality can be hit or miss, but the price here cannot be beat.)
Tailored Blazer in snapdragon from Madewell ($89.99 - in the world of bright pink blazers, I think this is my favorite.  It is beautifully constructed keeping it more on the side of Elle Woods, attorney-at-law and less on the Barbie goes to court.  A definite option if you want a brighter pink.)
One Button Blazer in rose at Anne Klein ($129.00 - a bit above budget but I'm including because I think Anne Klein makes some of the most beautiful looking blazers I see around - and this shade of pink is lovely.  They have a two button blazer in red that is in the budget, if you were interested in that instead.)
NOTE: As per usual the bottom couple is where I throw a couple of curveballs because I like to keep people on their toes.
Floral Vines Print Linen Blazer in mineral red at Ann Taylor Loft ($98 - I know its not what you wrote in looking for but the pattern is remarkably pretty so I thought I'd throw it in there.  Paired with pewter gray, tan, black, navy, or even say a dark purple this would be a great way to add interest to an otherwise streamlined outfit.)
Draycott Blazer in soft red at Boden ($69.99 - love the cross hatch pattern - also available in navy and ivory.)
Romeo & Juliet Couture One-Button Blazer in Burgundy at Neiman Marcus Last Call ($49.50 - I surprisingly like the gold hardware on the pockets and the color is great.  The one review says it runs small so order a size up.  And I will endeavor not to hold the designer's stupid name against it.)

Okay!  So those are my best suggestions as of now.  As you can probably tell, there are way more blazers in various shade of pink out there right now then there are purple ones, if I had to guess I'd say its because of the season.  I would bet there will be more purple blazers in the late summer and fall.  But I think some of these pink blazers are lovely if you wanted to get one of those now and then wait and get a purple blazer later (not that the two purple options aren't cute in their own right.)  Choices choices choices.  But you know what they say, I can lead you into the land of temptation, but I can't make you drink (or something like that.)

Happy shopping and may the odds be EvEr in your favor.  

 
So - blazers and fitted jackets are basically the essential workhorse of my wardrobe.  I wear them to work most days and throw on some of my more casual ones on with my weekend clothes (it takes my outfit from "I grabbed this outfit at random from the drawers" to "I almost look put together if you don't squint too much.")  So - since I did a big post about pants, which I don't even like, I thought I'd do a big post on blazers and jackets.  Note - my favorite blazer is a beautiful, ribbed navy blue blazer from Brooks Brothers.  It is a wardrobe essential and fits me beautifully.  This post, on the other hand, is really about blazers with a little more pizazz (though some workhorses might sneak in.)  SO LET'S DO THIS THING!  Note: the price ranges on some of these items are a bit higher than my usual choices - but if you're going to splurge for something in your wardrobe, I always think that blazers or shoes are the way to go since you wear them the most.)
Twenty 8 Twelve 'Cahun' Blazer at Farfetch ($525.76 - out of my budget by A LOT but this may be my dream blazer.)
Michael Kors Washed Linen Blazer in navy at Neiman Marcus  ($175 -  also available in plus sizes.)
Seasonless Peplum Jacket at WHBM ($148 - a nice alternative to the "traditional" black blazer.)
Olivia Moon Linen Jacket in green fern at Nordstroms ($79 - variety of colors and good reviews.)
Front-Zip Moto Jacket in coral at The Limited ($69.99 - love this - great work appropriate moto cut.)
Tory Burch Hayley Printed Jacket at Neiman Marcus ($350 - god I love this design.)
Cut 25 Melange Suiting Combo Blazer at Piperlime ($269.99 - very lucky size only - but this is awesome.)
Jones New York Corduroy Blazer at JNY ($79 - I love my cord blazer for weekends or even for casual days at work.)
Two by Vince Camuto Seersucker Blazer at Nordstroms ($96.75 - love the cut of this one.)

And now just a few "classical" black or navy blazers that can form the perfect backbone of a fancy business casual office.
Bop Basics Fiance Blazer at ShopBop ($198 - I'm going to do a few basic black jackets too - this one has a nice cut for my longer waisted readers.)
Gibson Knit Blazer at Nordstroms ($58.96 - perfect for my shorter waisted readers who prefer a more fitted blazer.)
The Blazer in navy at Jones New York ($169 - comes in navy and black as well as some colors - I like that it doesn't have gold buttons on the navy jacket.)

Okay!  This is just a spattering, a mere sample if you will, of all the blazers out there.  But I like them ... and I'm sure I'll be posting more blazers in the future.  So, what is your favorite blazer?  Do you have a go-to blazer you can't live without?
 
So I came across a few items at Dillards today that I thought would form the base of a really nice outfit (technically the two skirts are alternatives to each other - but that's neither here nor there.)
The first skirt is the Antonio Melani Perla Skirt ($109) - I love the stripes and the high waist line - and the one review is truly excellent.  The second skirt is a slightly darker take on the same theme from Cremieux, it is also high waisted and I like the belt, but overall it looks a little less elegant I think and its one review isn't as good.  But it is cheaper at $79 (and it comes in fun limeaid/sand and poppy/sunbaked options.)  

The next option is also by Cremieux, a "Novelty-Button" Knit Blazer in bright yellow (also comes in red) for $119.  I actually like the "novelty buttons" because I think it adds some interest to the blazer - which I think would go great with the nude/neutral skirts.  

In terms of recommending a shirt - my first instinct was to recommend something white or pale neutral - which of course I think would be nice.  But instead I'm recommending this Hinge Silk Blouse from Nordstroms in this lovely purple - purple is complementary to yellow in the color wheel and I think it would temper the yellow of the blouse in a nice way.  Plus its just lovely. ($68 - the blouse also comes in a cream and a tan if you'd like a neutral option.)

For shoes, I'm sticking with something fairly neutral, but going with a little quirky with the side cut outs.  These are Via Spiga Gaia pumps in camel from Zappos ($138 - on-sale) - I like the construction of them with the somewhat stacked heel.  Don't know how comfortable the side cut outs would be but otherwise I think they're lovely.  For people who prefer lower heels - I really like these Nora Mid Heel Loafers from Tory Burch (on sale for $177) - I don't mind the bits of red added to the outfit, I don't think they'd be noticeable and I think loafer pumps in any height would add a nice touch to this outfit.

For jewelry, I think you could stick with something pretty simple in shape for the necklace - like a pendant that would peek through the neckline of the blouse - but I'd love to see you introduce a third color, like the green in this T Tahari Faceted Pendant Necklace also from Dillards ($32).  I think the combination of them all together would actually be lovely.

What do you think?  Would you wear it?  What jewelry would YOU pair with it?  Leave some notes in the comments!
 
One for inspiration post and then back to answering a couple of questions (so if you have submitted a question...stick around!)  So the inspiration here is this Amber Sun 'Megan' Print Blazer at Nordstroms ($89).  I love this one.  I like the two buttons (can be really hard to find right now) and that its fitted without being completely shrunken.  It also has full-length sleeves on a light weight summer blazer, which is hard to find.  Finally, I love that a blazer in a bright color has a pattern, but that the pattern isn't too bold.  Instead the pattern serves to temper the yellow slightly without making the blazer such an aggressive statement piece that it would be difficult to style.  I think this would look lovely with gray, navy, tan or beige, white, eggplant, berry, or teal.  Best part - I think it could be paired with a nice pencil skirt and blouse for work or jeans and a t-shirt or over a sundress for weekends. So its super versatile.

So now that I've spoken with such obvious rapturous glee about an item - lets look for a few other similar items shall we?  I'll look for a variety of colors, cuts, styles, and sizes here to fit a variety of people and tastes.  Hope you see something you like. I do think that a fun, colored blazer can add a metaphorical smile to your wardrobe this time of year.
Tonal Knit Blazer at Anthropologie ($49.95 - not entirely sold on this for work but its super cute and comes in blue.)
Vince Camuto Rumpled Blazer in cherry at Nordstroms ($169 - I wouldn't normally recommend something called a "rumpled" blazer - especially not for $169 and made of polyester - but for my longer waisted readers I like this option.  Has two buttons and actually looks like its made to work for taller, longer waisted people.  I'd still wait for it to go on sale though.)
Alice + Olivia Elyse Cambray Blazer at ShopBop ($290.40 - a more formal take on chambray than the shirt - expensive yes, but the close up pictures show some beautiful tailoring.  The sleeves are full length.)
Blenheim Blazer in Driftwood Doves at Boden ($49-78.40 - I own this and its cute, the cotton is nice for summer but still substantial.  But one tip, order at least a size down, it runs large.)
DKNY Jeans Shawl Collar Blazer w/ Ruched Three-Quarter Sleeve in Mango Satin at 6pm ($64.99 - the shawl collar and single button make this a nice option for larger busted women, plus this hits lower at the hip, possibly nice for an apple, "O" shaped woman - attention Reader A.)
Voyager Jacket at Pendleton ($151-$158 - note - available in all sizes up to 24W - sorry, best picture available)
Cotton Tweed Cardigan Jacket at Ann Taylor ($148 - a great option for those who prefer sweaters to jackets).
Fine Touch Boucle Jacket at Coldwater Creek ($99 - available in plus sizes)
Elie Tahari Monroe Tweed Jacket at Bergdorf Goodman ($248 for the jacket - I surprisingly like the zipper front and notched neckline - adds interest without being *too* weird.  I might even like the full suit - especially if pink looks really good on you, also I think there's a darker teal version if you're interested.)

Okay!  I hope you like those options.  So I'm sick this weekend (actually in hospital) - so that may mean that either there will be A LOT of new posts or not many new posts depending on how bored I am and how good I feel.  Anyone else found some good summer blazers out there?  Put them in the comments!
 
Reader P wrote in noting that she is a more experienced federal government attorney and is looking to expand her business casual wardrobe (plus some other information that I'll keep to myself).  I always think that getting new business casual blazers are a fun way to add interest to a wardrobe since they can frequently be worn with a variety of tops and bottoms, so you get bang for your buck.  I've stuck here with items that will be spring/summer friendly, but most of them would be usable year round (or come in several colors).  These blazers are from some of the retailers that I think have good options for a variety of ages - Lands End, Talbots, Coldwater Creek (which has gotten much more interesting than it used to be), and LL Bean (plus Nordies of course). Several of them are also available in plus sizes and/or petites.  So - options abound!  

Tweed Jacket from Talbots ($209.00, plus size shown, $189 for misses)
Jaquard floral jacket from Coldwater Creek ($79.99 - 50% off now)
Anne Klein One Button Jacket at Nordstroms ($169.99 petite)
Shell Embellished Jacket at Coldwater Creek ($79.99 - 50% off now)
Women's 2-button blazer in Rich Burgundy at Land's End ($109.99)
Lakeshore Linen Jacket at LL Bean ($99.00)