The (Last) Case of the Mondays

Tomorrow is my very last Monday as a corporate lawyer!  I can't believe the last week is finally here.  To bring in the week (and ring out my legal career), I present the most beautiful work dress I've seen in a very long time.  It's definitely a splurge, but oh - so - pretty.

Giambattista Valli Printed Dress (2995.00)

Helmut Lang - Holiday 2011

First of all, thank you so much for your readership and support these last few years.  Since the launch of the new Professionelle this Spring, we've had over 10,000 visitors!  I know that's not a lot for some blogs, but it means a lot to me, and I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to peruse this little corner of the internet.  Coming up next, I'll be posting about menswear inspired prints, upon the recommendation of a reader, so please write and let me know if there's ever anything you'd like to see on Professionelle.  But today, it's all about one of my favorite designers...

My mom and I love to shop together, so naturally, I took her to my favorite hidden shopping spot - the Theory Company Store which also carries a full line of Helmut Lang.  Much to my surprise, my mother loved Helmut Lang, and so do I, particularly their new Holiday 2011 collection.  Below are my favorite pieces.  Keep in mind if you're going to order online that Helmut Lang tends to run small. 

Mantle Felt Coat (1290.00)

Smoking Wool Blazer (575.00)

Supple T Dress (220.00)

Shop Online at Zara - Finally!

My google reader hit an all time high last week due to a very busy September at work, which means that I'm about two weeks behind on the announcement that Zara has finally launched an online store!  I actually found out when I saw a girl walking down Fifth Avenue with a Zara bag that said "shop online."  I nearly stopped her, then realized how creepy that would be, so I pulled out my iPhone and sure enough...

So, better late than never, here are my must-have fall items from Zara: 

Longer cut jackets are in this fall.  Not a great look for petite girls, but I love the black/blue combination.  Blazer with Shiny Lapel (89.90)

Double Breasted Coat (169.00)

Laminated Heel Court Shoe (89.90)

I love the look of bright suede.  Perfect accessory to a basic trench or black wool coat.  Coloured Suede Belt (29.90)

I'm also very impressed with how Zara has designed their online shop.  The thumbnail pictures are large and when you click "view all," it saves your spot on the page.  Plus, there is free standard shipping and shipping to stores.  Bravo Zara!

The Best Thing I Ever Bought

I love the Food Network show The Best Thing I Ever Ate.  It's exactly what it sounds like; Food Network chefs talk about the best thing they ever ate.  If I were on the show, I'd definitely talk about the Elotes Callejeros at La Esquina, but I digress.  So, I thought it would be fun to ask some very stylish Professionelles to talk about the best thing they ever bought (limited to office appropriate items).  Here's what they had to say:

Erika loves her large, black Longchamp bag.  It can fit file folders, shoes, and her entire life, but is still technically a purse (so she can take it into museums, restaurants, etc. and not feel like she's dragging a tote bag or briefcase).

Monster iClarity bluetooth speakers were Sonia's pick.  They connect via bluetooth to your iPhone (no extra cables to deal with) and also via a chord to your laptop. Another bonuses is that they take up hardly any desk space and are chargeable via USB.  Sonia has no problem sitting for 12+ hours a day, but her ears can't deal with headphones clamped over them for that long, so once her officemate leaves for the day she listens to music over these babies.  They are clutch for late-night and weekend doc review sessions. They're also versatile: easy to travel with and sound good at low or loud volumes - great for blasting Ke$ha in your hotel room with your friends (if you get a free weekend).

Shuli claims her pick is very pedestrian, but those are often the items you wear all of the time.  Shuli's pick was a black pencil skirt from Uniqlo that she wears at least twice a week.  It fits comfortably but professionally and somehow looks good with every top.  It's also one of the few skirts Shuli has found that's the perfect length for work - right above the knee, so it's flattering but still appropriate.

Phyllis's picks were very unique.  First, this gorgeous potted orchid.  I also have a large potted orchid along with two other plants in my office, and they bring me more joy than anything else at work.  Second, Phyllis suggested this beautiful desk lamp.  Sure, the firm gives out free desk lamps for those who want extra light or share an office with vampire-esque associates who work with the lights off (yes, this really happens), but why not spruce up your space with something pretty?

Marissa loves her diamond solitaire stud earrings set in white gold.  Her mom got her a pair for college graduation.  This style of earring is truly appropriate for every occasion - subtle enough for work but sparkly enough for going out after!

This was tough for Sarah, which doesn't surprise me at all since she has about the chic-est wardrobe I've ever encountered  Sarah was tempted to say her new nude prada pumps that she bought a few weeks ago - work appropriate, but sexy and very comfortable.  She also love her Brooks Brothers non-iron shirts for work that fit perfectly (she suggests to get the fitted ones and go down a size), look crisp and can be thrown in the laundry.  She can see why all of her guy friends love them.

My personal pick is a silk knit black cardigan that I got at Cour Carre at Harbour City in Hong Kong.  Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of it and it's not available online, but it's warm yet thin so I can toss it into my purse and pull it out whenever I get cold.

Hopefully, these items provide some inspiration and guidance.  What's the best thing you've ever bought?

What the Cool Girls are Wearing

I think French girls are so cool.  They look so...effortless.  Like they rolled out of bed looking totally fabulous.  Since I spent only one week observing what Parisian women wore, I can't claim to be an expert (or even very accurate) but I noticed a few trends: leather motorcycle jackets, cross body bags and chunky ankle boots.  All of these items lean towards casual, so I thought it would be fun to interpret them in a way that could work for a Professionelle.

McQ Leather Vest-Inlay Jacket (1565.00)

I love how feminine this leather jacket looks.  The cut softens the edge of the leather and the cropped length would work well for petites.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Naples1 (250.00)

The buckles on these boots give it that biker chick look but the shape of the boot is very refined.  I would wear these with patterned black tights.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Harbridge Saddle Bag (228.00)

I actually saw this bag in the window of the Macy's on Nicolette Mall in Minneapolis.  Paris inspired, but found in the Midwest.

Alexander Wang Leather-Front Blazer (895.00)

It's so hard to find a leather blazer that doesn't look outdated.  I love how modern this looks, yet it still feels classic.

Alexander McQueen Tab and Buckle Heel Bootie (1225.00)

Now this boot is going to take some attitude to pull off at work, and perhaps a very conservative outfit to balance the shoe.  I absolutely love navy suede for Fall.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Jane-On-A-Leash Crossbody (228.00)

I'm so glad Marc Jacobs finally made some Marc by Marc Jacobs bags without that awful gold plaque.  This bag makes the perfect day to night purse.

Profession-hommes' Picks

Even though I always think that you should dress for yourself first, and then dress for other women, sometimes it's fun to get a guy's perspective on what looks good.  I asked five of my male friends to peruse commonly visited websites and pick out three items of women's clothing they liked and one item they hated.  They were asked to make these choices without the help of their significant others or female friends.  So Professionelles, how did these Profession-hommes do?

David (Theory)

David wasn't a huge fan of Theory in general, but he was still able to find a few pieces he liked.  Even though David wasn't allowed to ask his wife for her input, I think she would have approved of everything he picked. 

Kabilla B Dress, which my officemate just bought so I know it looks great in person (147.50)

Gabe B Blazer (197.50)


Joanie Skirt (100.00)

This was David's least favorite piece from Theory.  I happen to love this blouse which just goes to show how differently men and women think about clothing.

Primo Top (122.50)

Brian (Bloomingdales)

We may be seeing a theme here because Brian's wife also agreed with all of his choices.  Perhaps men pay more attention to what their significant others wear after all?  Either way, Brian found some great pieces at Bloomingdales.

Lafayette 148 New York Clarissa Stretch Cotton Bow Neck Top, aka the Juelle top (198.00)

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Aaron Classic Non-Iron Shirt (59.50)

I'm sensing another theme, Brian also choose the Theory Gabe Jacket (375.00)

Brian's least favorite was a DKNY long sleeve cozy, but the good people at Bloomingdales have since taken down that truly ugly item.  This was Brian's second choice for least favorite.  With the exception of the belt, I don't think it's terrible, but the thin cable knit probably makes it inappropriate for work.

Milly Cable Knit Belted Dress (295.00)

Lucas (J. Crew)

Lucas works in a less formal environment so his picks are slightly more casual, although he wouldn't recommend any of these items if you've got client meetings or court appearances.

Souvenier Dress (148.00)

Stretch Perfect Shirt in Class Stripe (68.00)

Perfect Shirt in Amory Floral, shirt only, skirt is obviously too short for work(59.50)

Although I love floral patterns, I have to agree with Lucas that this skirt is not my favorite:

Mirabel Pencil Skirt (128.00)

Chris (Banana Republic)

Chris wasn't a huge fan of any of the options at Banana Republic, and I think in general he's right.  It seems like every season, one chain store has nothing of interest, and this season Banana Republic might just be it.  Despite that, Chris managed to find some great pieces.  I particularly like the BR Monogram Silk Belted Blouse.

Bianca Sheath Dress (129.99)

Sleek Suit Skirt (39.99)

BR Monogram Silk Belted Blouse (79.50)

Unlike the ruffles Brian liked, it's no suprise that this Jacket was Chris's least favorite.

BR Monogram Ruffled Leather Jacket (149.99)

Aaron (Shopbop)

I originally gave Aaron Forever 21, but I really should have known better.  I can barely navigate that website myself so I wasn't surprised when Aaron couldn't find anything work appropriate.  So, I gave him Shopbop, a similarly trendy yet upscale store and he managed to pick some very work-appropriate items.  Of all of the items the Profession-hommes picked, Aaron picked my favorite, the Rebecca Taylor Perfect Shift Dress.

Theory Tenois Dress (365.00)

Rebecca Taylor Perfect Shift Dress (350.00)

Equipment Brett Washed Silk Blouse (218.00)

I don't actually think this is a terrible dress (if you can get over the sticker shock), but Aaron's least favorite from Shopbop is certainly hard to pull off if you aren't a tall skinny super model. 



Calvin Klein Arah Dress (895.00)

So what do you think Professionelles?  How do these guy's styles compare to yours?  I think in general, this little experiment shows that men like simple clothing that fits well and dislike anything too complicated or baggy.  Many thanks to all of the Profession-hommes that helped with this post.  

Chic Looks from Zara (and a note to brick and mortar stores)

I absolutely love these looks from Zara, but if they weren't posted on their website, chances are, I would never have seen them, much less blogged about them.  Don't get me wrong, I love going into brick and mortar stores on a Saturday afternoon as much as the next professionelle, but because I do so much of my shopping online, I am often disapointed when stores aren't well organized or don't have items in my size.  Zara is sort of the worst of all worlds in this sense since their stores are often messy and they don't offer online shopping capabilities.  Maybe I'm wrong, but I believe that women who grew up in the internet era have higher standards for efficiency when it comes to shopping.  Who wants to dig through racks of clothes when we can sort and search for exactly what we want online?  But . . . I digress . . . below are some lovely looks from Zara.  Hopefully you'll be able to find them in a Zara store near you.

Dress with Frills at the Back (59.90)

Pique Blazer (99.90)

Double Breasted Raincoat (79.90)

Double Breasted Blazer (99.90)

Stripped Blouse (69.90)

Tulip Skirt Dress (99.90)

Same dress with stripes (99.90)

 Butterfly Top (59.90)

Net-a-Porter Sale Blazers

I've never ever been tempted to steal in my life, except when I saw a Net-a-porter van parked outside of an apartment building on Park Avenue.  I imagined myself breaking into the back of that van and finding piles and piles of amazing clothes.  Good thing it was a fleeting thought since I'd most certainly be dis-barred and lose my job and then how would I be able to partake in this amazing sale?

Check out these glorious, work appropriate, jackets at the Net-a-porter end of season sale:

 Vivienne Westwood Anglomania (now $420.00)

 Smythe Cropped Wool Jacket (now 242.00)

 Valentino Red Label Tie Front Ruffle Jacket (now 357.00)

 Adam Woven Linen Blazer (now 207.00)

Carven Cropped Wool Crepe Blazer (now 335.00)