Playgrounds & Lollipops - The Professional

{Blouse: Ann Taylor Loft; Trousers: Forever 21; Shoes: Dolce Vita; Jewelry: Stella & Dot; Watch; Michael Kors}

If I had a real, actual paying job to go to, this is what I'd wear.  Instead I only have a gig where I go into my husband's office to do some "bookkeeping" a few hours a week and get paid with bags of chips and silver dollars.  I didn't let the lack of a real paycheck stop me from dressing up just a bit today though.  We had a new employee start and I wanted to make a good impression, you know, try to at least present our family run business as somewhat legit and professional.  Not to discredit the husband, he does a fine job of running the place, he just does it in shorts and a t-shirt.

When I wore this cardigan last week, it reminded me of these pants that I originally wore with them and although today was a scorcher, the soft rayon actually kept me pretty cool and the cotton blouse is as light as air.  I felt cool and collected.  Not calm, because I really don't ever feel calm.  Just cool & collected.  I'll take 2 out of 3.

So happy Wednesday everyone!  I personally feel a little out of sorts after a very full and fun Labor Day weekend.  We took full advantage of our time together and spent all day and night with different sets of family and/or friends.  It was a fantastic way to end summer but having a Monday on a Tuesday sort of leaves you feeling a little behind.  Looking forward to playing catch up the rest of the week.

Linking up with No Model Lady for the first time & Lindsay for WIWW

Much Too Much?

{Hat: Tarnish; Trench, Silk Crepe Shirt & Tank: James Perse; Pants: J. Crew;  

Sandals: Sam Edelman; Necklace: Juicy Couture; Earrings: The Rusted Chain; Nail Polish: Essie Boat House}  

I may be wrong but it seems to me that hats, especially fedoras, draw a lot of attention.  When I met up with JJ and Rachel last month for a Blog Sugar planning dinner and wore this hat, it became the subject of a running joke for about a week, all in good fun of course. I do think it takes a bit of courage to pull off bold accessories and statement pieces, and some days you feel it and some days you don't.

I met one of my favorite bloggers Jules for lunch last week and I wore this outfit, but ditched the hat.  I took it off at the last minute because it seemed just a little too much for a first time meet and greet.  I do love it, but might just wear it in the confines of my own home, which I wouldn't mind a bit.  Just me and my hat, walking around the house together.  We had a great time at lunch though and I got to meet Emily as well.  Between a tardy sitter and a lot of traffic getting out to the IE, I ended up being 30 minutes late.  Way to make a great first impression.  All was forgiven though and we talked shop for about 2 hours and laughed a lot.  In the end I was glad I left the hat at home because I don't think it could have handled being the butt of another joke.  I've got to protect its self esteem you know.    

Are there accessories or trends that you love, but feel a little shy or intimidated to wear?  What holds you back, or what pushes you forward to try something new?  I'll also get back to my "lessons learned" type of P&L posts next week.  I think I've just felt a little fried these last couple of weeks to properly coordinate a nice little lesson plan :)  Have a great weekend everyone!  We have our Anniversary date night today and I still need a gift, but I've got plenty of ideas!  Thanks everyone for your wonderful suggestions, now to just decide today...

I'm linking up for the first time to Real Momma Real Style!