A Suit in a Pinch

A good friend of mine (not saying who) got a spur of the moment clerkship interview while visiting her boyfriend. Of course she didn't bring a suit with her so she needs to find a suit, buy a pair of shoes, and research the judge all in 24 hours. I figured I'd help her out. These pieces are all from major national retailers so they should be relatively easy to find.

Banana Republic Petite Cotton Suit (209.00): Like me, my friend is petite and definitely does not have time for alterations


J Crew Isabel Dress (188.00): This is a great option if she packed a cardigan. A dress is infinitely more versatile than a suit if the right suit can't be found.


Theory Gabe Suit (660.00): I've never met a Theory suit that wasn't worth the investment. Buying a suit like this will last her a lifetime.

Understandably, my friend is willing to invest in a nice suit since it's something that she will probably wear again, but she already has a million pairs of heels so here are a few very inexpensive, interview appropriate shoes.

Dexter Patent Pump (24.99)


Maryam Slingback (26.99)


Anne Klein Darena (26.99)

Lastly, Good Luck!

Simply Beautiful: Creature Comforts and Kindred

I hope that Professionelle has become one of your favorite blogs, but I thought that today I would share with you one of my favorite blogs: Creature Comforts. It's where I go each day to escape the dingy cave that is Austin North by simply looking at some beautiful things. The author, Ez, makes the prettiest collages of artwork, crafts, and products.

She also does a Chic for Cheap post each week. This one on office decor seems particularly fitting.

And her latest venture, Kindred, provides gorgeous (and free!) images to download as your desktop along with downloadable note cards. I particularly like the downloadable gratitude notes, where you can make lists of things you are thankful for (great for those days when you need a little perspective).

Summer Chick-lit Review

Last month, Professionelle suggested a few public transportation worthy books, but apparently summer is the season for new "Chick-lit" and the New York Times has done the work for me this time. Check out this article for a comprehensive review of the good, the bad, and the downright cheesy books targeting women this summer.

Thanks to Neeraj for the link.

Brilliant Idea: Paperless Post

We're all used to Evites and Facebook invites, but Paperless Post provides a classier way to send invitations for your upcoming event. The new website offers customizable invitations that are delivered to your guests in an electronic "envelope" like the one below:

Users can customize the paper, font, and motif of their invitation as well as the "envelope" that it comes in. Guests can reply with an RSVP (also on pretty electronic stationary). Unlike Evites and Facebook invites, the service is not free, but it is definitely affordable. Users must buy "stamps." For $5 you can purchase 60 stamps. This service may not be cost effective for a casual weekend barbecue, but may be an inexpensive alternative to sending out pricey paper invitations for your graduation, wedding, or baby shower. Besides, since it's paper-free, it's also green! Below are a couple of examples from a recent New York Times article:

Thanks to Phyllis for this great find!

Etsy Accessories

Etsy is one of my favorite websites. It's an Ebay for all things handmade and vintage. The website is very hit or miss but there are some great finds. I particularly like it for jewelry and home goods. Below are a few of my favorite pieces. Home goods will be highlighted next week.

Yoga Elephant Necklace (27.00)


Green Briolette Earrings (26.00)


Mixed Goodies Bracelet (98.00)

Work Bag Feature

Although in the ideal world you would never have to bring home work, in reality you probably will at some point. Here are some attractive work bags that you could use to carry all your work papers and still look chic at the same time .

J. Crew Canvas Boardwalk City Tote (48.00)

Lodis Briefcase/Tote (248.00)

Coach Madison Julianne Bag (458.00)


Anya Hindmarch Carker Black Patent Leather Bowling Bag (1150.00)


Valextra Babila Bag in Tundra, available also in Rose Petal (2450.00)

And finally, to brighten your day...

Stella McCartney Cloud-Print Shopper (185.00)

Deal Brief: Spring Steals

Old Navy is not at the top of most people's list when it comes to work clothes, but the retailer has some great pieces at even lower than normal prices right now. Here are a few work appropriate basics.

Lightweight V-neck Cardigan (24.50)


Linen-Blend Camp Shirt (19.50)


Essential Pencil Skirt (20.00)

Although Tulle describes itself as "hip, funky, and feminine," I spotted some deals that translate well from the street to the office.

Tulle Spring Look 1 (132.00 total for all three pieces)


Solid Cotton Sheen Paper Bag Skirt (31.80)


Tullette V Neck Dress w/Pockets (31.80)