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?

I begin this post with a confession - I hate shopping for pants.  They are rarely short enough for me (and the petite options frequently are sold out or not as diverse in choices) and so I have to either get them tailored or destroy the hems.  And since I'm a lazy person ... I frequently destroy the hems.  So I find that I wear skirts more often than not. It is also hard to give good solid pants advice to others, since what pants you like are so very much controlled by body shape and height and general preferences.  But, given all that, I'm going to recommend a bunch of pants below that I either (a) own or (b) I know others like a great deal - in case you are looking for some pants.  Most will be work pants, but I'm going to throw some more casual pants in there for fun.  Most will also be fairly traditional, full length cuts - but I will include some cropped and ankle-pants in their, because I know other people like them (they make me feel even more stunted in my growth than usual.)  So here we go.

Lafayette 148 New York Menswear Trousers in navy from Nordstroms ($228 - expensive - but they have some of the best reviews I've ever seen on pants.)
Basketweave Pants at Brooks Brothers ($298 - definitely an investment piece but they look beautiful, the color is wonderful, they are a wool, silk, and linen blend, and they are fully lined.  Only problem is no true pockets.)
Rosel Tailor Straight Leg Pant by Theory ($268 - some don't agree with pants this skinny for work so know your office - comes as a full suit.  Can't speak to fit since Theory is always too lean and too tall for me - but for tall readers, I know it can be great.)

Martin Fit Straight Leg Trousers in yellow at Banana Republic ($79.50 - much like AT, I have found the quality of BR has gone down a bit in recent years, but these trousers look elegant and nicely designed and come in a variety of great colors for those interested in non black, gray, navy, etc. pants.)
Halogen 'Taylor' Curvy Fit Pants at Nordstroms ($79 - I love Halogen's Curvy Fit pants, both jeans and trousers, though some readers on Corporette mentioned that the fabric on these was changed recently to be less sturdy - somewhat like the skirt - so they may not be as fabulous as they once were.)
Curvy Fit Polished Sateen Bootcut Pants in navy at Talbots ($89.50 - available in Misses, Petites, Women's, and Women's Petites.  Also available in six colors.  Like with many of the chains, Talbots quality can be spotty, but I find their trousers generally reliable.)

Signature Glen Plaid Pant at Ann Taylor ($69.99 - gets good reviews - though AT quality is of course a worry.)
Slim Cropped Pants in cobalt at Gap ($39.99 - pictured pants available in limited sizes, other colors available in more - comes in regular height and tall.)
Mossimo Women's Skinny Premium Skinny Jean ($27.99 - available in assorted washes and in long, short, and regular.  I have these in black and for someone who doesn't *do* skinny jeans - these are amazing.  Not too tight to be uncomfortable or unforgiving, but tight enough to fit under knee high boots or look cute with flats.  And the price is right.)

Hard Tail Voile Pants from Nordstroms ($98 - a bit pricey for casual pants - but they do look pretty comfy.)
Jag Jeans 'Pearl' Trouser Jeans from Nordstroms ($89 - plus sized pictured - come in a both plus and misses - I own two pairs of the stretch Jag's and they are super comfy and sturdy, but they do also come in a button and zip model.)
Red Fleece Collection Seersucker Pants from Brooks Brothers ($129 - maybe more for weekends than work, know your office.)

Okay!  So pants. We all need them - or at least something to wear on our bottom halves.  But why must they be such a bother?  Hope this post helps a bit and spurs you in the right direction.  Happy shopping and may the odds be ever in your favor.

So yesterday we did black and white, but today I'm going to do my personal favorite color combo from the last couple of seasons, black and gold.  The above dress, the Starlight Hearted Dress from ModCloth ($202.99) inspired the post.  I think its lovely and would be great for a New Year's party or an evening wedding...or for vacuuming around the house in heels.  But there are SO MANY great black and gold stuff out there right now - lets check some of it out, shall we?

I first fell in love with black and gold this past fall because of the most beautiful pair of black and gold Ralph Lauren Black Collection Mary Jane pumps I have ever seen - I saw them on Marion Cotillard in the August 2012 and I fell deeply and irretrievably in love with them.  But they were strictly out of budget then and now I can't find them anywhere on-line. Alas...the one's that got away.  But that doesn't mean we can't find some pretty alternatives.

Siger Morrison Leather Pointed Toe 'Betty' Crisscross Heels at Bluefly ($216.29)
Vince Camuto Hearty Metallic Cork Pumps at Dillards ($58.80 - lucky sizes only at this price - other sites have them for more.)
Elle dress heels in black and gold at Kohl's ($27.99 - derivative yes - but the price is right.)

Want some other black and gold ideas - what do you think of these? 

213 Industry Serafina Metallic Striped Pullover at Piperlime ($38.97)
St. John Collection Floral Jacquard Knit Sheath Dress at Nordstroms ($995 - I know, way above most people's price ranges - but so pretty!)
Kenneth Jay Lane Gold and Black Enamel Stripe Bracelet at Bloomingdales ($96.60 - cute!  Stripes!)

Mossimo Long Sleeve Sweater Jacket with Gold Foil at Target ($27.98)
Betsy & Adam Embellished Strapless Gown in black and gold at Lord & Taylor ($209)
Jessica Simpson 'Tina Turner' One Piece suit at the Bon Ton ($84 - kind of surprisingly cute - I like the studs.)

So - has black and gold worked its way into your wardrobe?  Or does it give you too many flashbacks to earlier eras?  Share your favorite black and gold items in the comments.  

I'll answer your first question first - I think its probably fine for a wedding.  On the website it is described as "sky-blue" and it looks fairly blue here, so I think on the color you're probably safe.  In terms of appropriateness otherwise, I think its lovely - though its maybe hinging a tiny bit on the dowdy side (I wish there was another color there.)  I would definitely want to punch it up with some fun accessories and shoes to add a little bit of color and maybe even sparkle to it - but overall I think its a nice look.  So first, let me offer up some shoe possibilities and a couple of jewelry options - then I will move on to a few other similar scallop dresses for your consideration.

Enzo Aglioni Maiven Shoes at Macy's ($49.99 - I like the idea of a textured metallic - gives a little shine to the outfit while still being classic and not too crazy.)
Pour La Victoire Case Mary-Jane Pump in Teal ($39.99-$249.99 - I think a mary-jane or a t-strap pump would be a great way to reference the era of the dress without being too literal.)
Vince Camuto Lexis Pump at Designs by Stephene ($49.99 - these might be a little too high for you - and I'm not sure how you feel about the studded look - but I love the idea of a bright cobalt or navy shoe - I think a second shade of blue with this look would be awesome.)
(If you like any of these specifically but want a different, similar recommendation, let me know.)

Inlaid Hexagon Cuff at Lori's of Chicago ($36.95 - I like the idea of adding some color in a bracelet - either coordinated with the shoes or in a contrasting but still friendly color - purple would be another nice option.)
Tortoise Box Bead Necklace from Forever 21 ($9.80 - check out all their options - they have amazing sales now.)
Lacquered Twist Necklace in green and gold from Forever 21 ($6.80)

As far sa other dresses - I didn't see much that I thought was particularly good in your aesthetic and in your price range.  Readers, have you seen any similar dresses that you particularly like?  And KG if you decide not to go with this dress, come on back and I'm sure I can find you something else.  Hope these ideas help - and have fun at the wedding!

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!

I've gotten a couple questions about maxi dresses recently - so I thought I'd do a bit of a master post.  So here goes.

Reader Kumquat Weekend asks:

Oh illustrious TCFKAG, can you please advise? I just bought two lovely maxi dresses. Solid colours. Cap sleeved, U-neck... they look like really, really, really long t-shirts. T-shirts that flow and drape and make me look like a queen. How on earth can I accessorize these for work? Sweaters? Blazers? Shoes? Belts? Necklaces? Any/all of the above? (I know maxies are often considered a workplace no-no, but my environment is business casual and I'm willing to risk it.)

Hello Ms. Weekend! So, I will address this first - and I will start with a confession, if you had asked me six months ago I would have said "I really don't think that maxi dresses are work appropriate, even at a biz casual office."  But then I joined Tumblr and started following some hijabi and otherwise conservative dressing fashion blogs and realized I had been so-so dumb!  I've seen so many women absolutely styling maxi dresses in awesomely stylish and beautiful manners.  I'm a big fan.  A few ideas with the dresses you've described based on what I've seen on those websites.  (1) I would probably pair them with a blazer - something fitted and maybe with those sleeves that role up and reveal another fabric or are scrunched up (not too formal but still adding a little structure.)  (2)  I think adding a belt, something wider and leather or perhaps with a design, would be a really nice way to add structure to the dress and add some formality without too much weight or a ton of cost (plus it adds definition at the waist, which is nice with something like a maxi dress.)  (3)  For scoop neck dresses, I think that substantial, statement dresses are really nice for work.  Not only does it add interest to the neckline, it covers up a bit (which is nice).  You could also add a scarf if that's something you like.  I think that big bangle bracelets would also be nice (especially with a three-quarter-sleeve jacket.)  Finally (4) in terms of shoes, I think the key is to wear either closed toe pumps or a formal sandal - not something flat like gladiator sandals or something that reads "beachy."  You don't want people to think you're going work to beach to night (no matter what Lucky Magazine says you should do.)  Here are some pictures with inspiration, if you're interested.

Here are the sources of the images above:
Mango Chutney (Archive - the 70s)
Simple Modesty (Archives)
My Dress Ways (Archives)
All are cute outfits that I think are super work appropriate (don't read into two of them being green - just random chance.)

Reader B questions:

Hi TCFKAG, I am looking for a long (or 3/4) sleeved maxi dress. I prefer a printed chiffon, but I am not really committed to a specific fabric or print. I need it for a wedding in Indiana (I'm expecting hot and humid) in June, so something wedding appropriate (not a lot of white). I've looked at my usual haunts, and am coming up empty. Since I need it by the end of this month, I have to either be able to get it in store, or shipped within a two week timeframe. Any ideas for me? I'd like to keep it under $100, but definitely under $150.  I'm looking for a L/XL or 12/14.  I love this one, but its out of my budget: Rachel Zoe Silk Maxi Dress.  I also fell in love with this and was going to buy it, but its not available: Rachel Pally Aurora Print Maxi Dress.

For those shopping along at home, these are the dresses that Reader B is inspired by.

Those are both lovely - I especially love the Rachel Pally dress - lets find you a few options.

First Kiss Print Maxi Dress at Free People ($148)
Hive & Honey Striped Knit Maxi at Piperlime ($69 - might be too fitted, but definitely within budget.)
Christin Michaels Kelley Dress at Zappos ($69 - I know, no sleeves, maybe a light shrug?)
Oasis Chiffon Floral Print Maxi Dress at ASOS ($129 - So pretty, also maybe with a shrug?)
ASOS Petite Pleated Maxi Skirt at ASOS ($59.85 - a different suggestion - maybe a skirt with a silk blouse?)

So, I feel like I haven't completely met your requirements.  There aren't that many out there with sleeves right now!  I wonder if its the season - summer maxi dresses are more short sleeved or sleeveless maybe?  Readers - have you seen anything that would fit Readers B's needs?

And finally - since I've looked at lots of maxi dresses - here are a few that I liked that might be nice for summer.

Merona Chevron Maxi Dress at Target ($29.97)
Karen Kane Black Stripe Banded Maxi Dress at Zappos ($128)
ASOS Curve Maxi Dress in Cheesecloth at ASOS in Coral ($49.88)
Vince Camuto Bright Stripe Halter Maxi Dress at Nordstroms ($129)
Eliza J Pleated Chiffon Maxi Dress in Orange at Nordstroms ($158)

Happy shopping everyone and may the odds be ever in your favor.  Who's psyched for summer?  I am!