Travel Inspiration: Egypt

Stop 2: Egypt

To Do: Cruise down the Nile stopping to see awe inspiring temples covered in amazingly preserved hieroglyphics and tombs of the pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings.

To Drink: Mint tea at a coffee shop as the locals play dominoes nearby.

To Wear: A peak out of the plane window during our flight from Cairo to Aswan revealed the importance of water to all living things. The Nile river snaked through a stretch of lush green vegetation surrounded by endless desert where the water could not reach. The vision was striking and inspired the following khaki and green combination. The pattern on the neckline of this Vena Cava for Gap dress also reminded me the heavily adorned necklaces worn by the pharaohs.

Vena Cava for Gap Khaki Dress (54.99)


Dance Platform Pumps (298.00)

Travel Inspiration: Colorado

So sorry for the long absence! The bar is finally over! Congrats to those who also took the July bar and best of luck to those in states releasing results in the next couple of weeks. As for me, I will be gearing up for work and continuing to pretend like the end of July, 2009 never happened (at least until November).

I'm currently back in Boston, but have been fortunate enough to have traveled to some pretty spectacular places in the three weeks following the bar: Colorado, Egypt, and Greece. This, and the next two posts, are sort of a mini travel journal; inspiration drawn from three unique cultures and landscapes.

Stop 1: Estes Park, Colorado

To Do: Take a hike. I did it, which means that you can too. Leave the Louboutins at home, stretch those quad muscles, and get ready take in some amazing views and crisp mountain air.

To Drink: Water. Sweet, sweet water. Delicious water is abundant in Colorado and little did I know how precious it was until I left Colorado for Egypt.

To Wear: Being in Colorado reminded me of how pristine yet fragile the Earth can be. It inspired me to look into options for environmentally friendly professional clothing. The following dress, from Nimli.com (a green online retailer) is natural, organic, sustainable, and affordable to boot. It's also gorgeous and completely work appropriate.

Nature vs. Future Classic Cut Dress (158.00)

Mental Break

I probably shouldn't be posting this (or posting at all) since the Bar Exam is less than a week away, but here are two of my favorite ways to take a mental break from studying. Also great for those of you already in the real world who need some help getting through a slow Wednesday at work.

1) The Best of Youtube. Here's just one example, visit the website to see hundreds of similarly entertaining videos.



2) Lucky Magazine's list of the top 100 online retailers selling items for under $100

The September Issue

A documentary about Anna Wintour? It's enough to make me come out of my bar review cave and post.

News on Women

Sorry for the brief hiatus. The fear of the bar exam has finally hit...

Today's post is about one of the most informative websites I have seen in a really long time: Newsonwomen.com. The website is written by a former Executive of Chase Bank (and in the interest of full disclosure, the mother of a friend). Newsonwomen.com reports on rising female stars in business, government, education, science, and the arts. The purpose is to use information as a tool for advancing women professionally, and the information is truly inspiring. I urge you all to check it out.

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)