Work Clothes, I Suppose

4:30 am

2013-05-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Just in case you've been wondering, this is what I look like at 4:30am. I should look like a sleeping human being. But instead I look like this, ready to head to the airport, pausing for a moment to snap pictures, only to realize I don't have the energy I need to smile or pose.

This is what I wore yesterday on the plane to Cali. It is almost the exact same outfit I wore on the plane home from Vegas two weeks ago. And it is probably very similar to what I'll be wearing to fly to a few more business trips this spring. I promise not to show you every time :)

Cardigan: J. Crew Factory (similar)

Tank: Nordstrom Rack (similar)

Jeans: LOFT

Flats: Steve Madden

PS. If you haven't yet, head over to Franish and enter to win this watch!

Franish Giveaway

2013-05-21T05:07:00.001-07:00

Hey guys! I'm taking the day off to fly down to sunny California (and it is raining here in Seattle this morning, so perfect timing) for a week-long tradeshow.

But I'm not totally gone - if you want a chance to win this awesome watch from Urban Outfitters...

...head on over to Franish, where I'm giving it away!

See you back here tomorrow!

Lately

2013-05-20T07:33:00.003-07:00

Lately:

*I've been spending as many nights in hotels as at home*
*I've been reading blogs on my cell phone in airports, and haven't been commenting*
*I've been loving morning snuggle time in bed with my kitten when I'm home*
*I've been eating nothing but salads made with homegrown lettuce from my garden*
*I've been so, so tired*
*I've struggled to find time to work out on the road, and my body is noticing*
*I've been desperately trying to take outfit photos and to visit your TTT posts*

*I've been really, really happy*

Here are some outfits I snapped when in Vegas for work 2 weeks ago:

To run errands.

To eat dinner with the team.

To supervise the construction of our booth.

To eat dinner alone.

Thanks for sticking it out with me during this busy busy time. I miss communicating with you all through comments and emails and PROMISE I'll pick it back up as soon as I can.

Third Thursday Threads: Workwear

2013-05-15T19:23:00.000-07:00

I am kind of cheating today and showing you photos that I took before a dinner date with boyfriend. But then I wore the same outfit to work a few days later, so maybe that's only a bit of a cheat?

Anyway, here's my favorite workwear style - ankle slacks, a silky blouse, necklace, and flats. Easy peasy, classic outfit.

Slacks: LOFT (final sale now!)
Shirt: LOFT (on sale now!)

Flats: Steve Madden

This is what a tortured cat looks like. Really.

Check out these patterned pants. I'm obsessed.

Now, time for you to link up! Here are the "rules":
1. Please link directly to a NEW blog post, not the main blog page.
2. Please link back to Work Clothes, I Suppose using a URL or the button over there ----->
3. Visit other outfits (and hopefully be inspired!).

Nautical

2013-05-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm not super into nautical looks. Not super into anything that looks obviously one style - I feel like it holds me back. But when this jacket was on sale at Banana Republic, I couldn't pass it up. It definitely looks nautical. But I love it and am determined to make outfits that don't seem overly nautical, like this one. At least, that's my attempt. Maybe I should be asking you what you think about it. Does this outfit scream nautical to you? BTW, typing so much about the word nautical makes me think of a post by one of my FAVORITE (ex)bloggers, Laura at Twelve by Six. Check out her amazing puns here.

Jacket: Banana Republic
Tee: Hand me down from mama (similar)
Jeans: Blue Essence from Nordstrom (similar)

Flats: Audrey Brooke (similar)

Very Me

2013-05-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

This outfit just feels so ME. And I never would have predicted that. The white pants that used to make me feel like an enormous whale, the button-down shirts that made me feel too stuffy, the nerd glasses that I couldn't wait to get rid of before LASIK.

But now, today, this outfit is so me. I adore it. I would wear it, and the messy hair that so perfectly accompanies it, every day. Sadly it is a horrible travel outfit, so it's sitting at home waiting for another chance. And trust me, it will definitely get that chance.

Cardigan: J. Crew Factory (similar)
Tank: Nordstrom Rack (similar)
Jeans: Macy's (similar)
Flats: Steve Madden
Nerd Glasses: Warby Parker

Don't forget that this Thursday is Third Thursday Threads: Workwear! Cannot wait to see what you all come up with!

May's Third Thursday Threads Announcement

2013-05-13T07:21:00.004-07:00

I'm excited to announce that Third Thursday Threads is THIS WEEK and that the theme should be pretty easy for everyone to link up. This month, I wanted to go back to the roots of this blog and ask for some basic spring workwear inspiration. So this Thursday, May 16, come link up with your best WORKWEAR outfit. I may try a full suit and be really professional, or I may try integrating a simple t-shirt into an otherwise professional outfit. I may even try pulling out a sheath dress that has yet to see life outside of my closet.

Here's some inspiration from some of the favorite pinboards I follow on Pinterest:

Nordstrom's 9-to-5 board:

**9TO5**

I have everything I need to wear this outfit

Fishtail

2013-05-09T08:58:00.002-07:00

So sorry for the lack of post yesterday! I didn't even open my computer I was so busy all day. And again today! I have finally come up with a theme for Third Thursday Threads - so I'll be sure to post at some point tomorrow with that information!

For now, here's an outfit from last week that I love. These shoes NEED to come out of my closet more often!

Hope you're having a lovely week!

Ironing

2013-05-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

I've had this shirt for a year. And before today, I've only worn it once, because I'm lazy and hate to iron and this shirt is one of those awful shirts that really needs to be ironed every time it is worn, and then some. Like mid-day. And after sitting. Or hugging someone. Anyway, you probably won't see it that often. But here it is, wrinkled even after ironing, blowing in the wind, getting its few minutes of fame.

I'm finally feeling a bit more in the rhythm of this blogging thing, and I want to thank all of you for coming back time after time to provide feedback, give me ideas, and share your own blogs with me. As I'm alone on the road so much this week, I'm extra thankful for this online community. I know that I haven't been the fastest responder to your emails and comments and I've been commenting on your blogs more irregularly than usual, but know that I am still reading often!

Shirt: Nordstrom
Cardigan: Gift from boyfriend, Banana Republic
Slacks: Ralph Lauren (similar)
Flats: BC Footwear (similar)
Nerd Glasses: Warby Parker

Same Pose, Different Day

2013-05-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

First of all, I wanted to say a quick hello to all my new followers. I'm guessing a lot of you came over from Fran's blog, and I'm so excited to have you! Isn't she the greatest??

Now, on to what I really wanted to shout to start this post:
It isn't boot weather anymore, hallelujah!

But this outfit was another gem found on my camera from a few weeks ago, and I think it might be one of my most comfortable outfits ever worn. This skirt is just like walking around in a cloud. It's soft, airy light, but heavy enough that it doesn't blow around when the wind picks up, which we all know is super important! And of course, stripes and animal print just can't be beat (except maybe by stripes & floral?!) and is one of my favorite combinations, as seen here, and here, and here. This is also the first skirt ever posted in a real blog photo shoot on this blog. Crazy.

Shirt: GAP (similar)
Skirt: H&M (similar)
Boots: Etienne Aigner
Scarf: Nordstrom

I've taken a photo like this in this skirt EVERY TIME I'VE WORN IT. Evidence below.

Practically Poppy

2013-05-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

For a girl who used to love wearing red, I really have very little left in my closet that would work for today, the final day of the PANTONE challenge over at Literately Stylish / Modern Austen. These pants are more coral to me, but in certain light they definitely are more red, so I'm gonna go with it today and call them Poppy.

I'm in love with this outfit. I've done stripes with animal print before, but never quite like this. I hope I don't look back at this outfit in months and regret the pattern mixing! But I don't think I will.

Jeans: Blue Essence (splurge, save)

Tee: J Crew Factory (similar)

Cardigan: LOFT

Flats: Steve Madden

Huge puff on top of head: All my own hair. Insanity.

Now head on over to check out the actually poppy red outfits at Literately Stylish / The Modern Austen's link up.

Time to Prepare

2013-05-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

This month, as I mentioned on Tuesday, is absolutely insane for my work travel. In case you missed it, here's where I'll be this month:

May 1-3: NYC

May 5-10: Las Vegas

May 15-17: DC

May 21-24: Anaheim

May 29-30: Houston

June 3-7: New Orleans

Now, on to the important stuff. Because I'm on the road so much, I need plenty of time to prepare for Third Thursday Threads, which will be May 16. And I want to give you time to prepare too! Here's what we've done since the series started:

October 2012: Boots | November 2012: Cozy Knits | December 2012: Winter White

January 2013: Blazers | February 2013: Polka Dots | March 2013: Winterize A Summer Item

April 2013: Spring Florals

Please leave me a comment with your suggestions for this month! Also, let me know if you'd be interested in co-hosting this series with me moving forward. I think it'd be super fun to have a highlighted outfit from one of you each month, in addition to all of the linked outfits.

Behind the Blog

2013-05-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

Today I'm being featured on Behind the Blog (my favorite guest post feature) over at Franish (my favorite inspiration blog). So go check it out and learn about all the stuff I don't write about much over here. It's far from thrilling, but maybe you'll learn something new about me.

I promise it won't contain hair or makeup tips.

But I'm sure after these pictures, you probably wish it would.

Winter's Over

2013-05-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

I hit a gold mine of old photos on my camera card. I just completely forgot about a few outfits that I had photographed and now that I'm about to start the most insane month of work travel ever, it's the perfect time to run into a pile of photos.

So this outfit won't get worn again until next fall, hopefully. Come on Seattle, please let me not wear this many layers again until fall. Please!

Olive Green Pants: Zara (similar)

Shoes: Hand me down from mom

Sweater: Nordstrom (similar)

Tank: BP

Watch: Michael Kors

Ready to hear me whine about all of the travel I have coming up? Here's my schedule:

May 1-3: NYC

May 5-10: Las Vegas

May 15-17: DC

May 21-24: Anaheim

May 29-30: Houston

June 3-7: New Orleans

AND THEN I GET TO STAY IN SEATTLE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS!

So if I'm MIA a bit, apologies in advance!

April Budget

2013-04-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm still no good at keeping track of these purchases in an organized fashion. Which is crazy if you consider that a huge part of my job is budget tracking for hundreds of thousands of dollars of marketing spend. Apparently since I do it for work I hate doing it in my own life.

But anyway, I promised I'd be linking up with Fran each month, so here's the post to keep that promise!

This is what I bought in April:

Floral blazer, Macy's, $51

Striped nautical blazer, Banana Republic, final sale for $21

Black scoop-hem tee, Banana Republic, $46 in-store and
Marisa Ankle Pants, LOFT, $28 in-store

Not pictured:

Tweed blazer, not pictured even though I've worn it twice and no longer available online, $27
Black wool pencil skirt on HUGE sale at Banana Republic and no longer available online, purchased with $25 gift card from Avec Amber's giveaway MONTHS ago, $0 to me
Cream box pleat shirt with a gift card at LOFT, $0
The home tee, $25

TOTAL FOR APRIL: $198.00

I probably forgot something, which is why I'm going to get better at this each month this year. I promise you!! But nothing is showing up on my credit/debit statement that I didn't cover, and nothing is jumping out at me in my closet or recent photos. Lots of hand-me-downs this month from mom, sis, and grandma, so I gained a lot of things I didn't pay for, even with a gift card. Yay April!

Emerald

2013-04-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

Green is my favorite color, so when I learned that the Pantone Color of the Year for 2013 was Emerald, I was so pumped. I have SO MANY GREEN THINGS. Including these pants, which I would wear daily if people wouldn't notice that I was wearing the same pants day after day. This is definitely one of my favorite ways to wear them - with some comfy flats, a chaotic animal print shirt, and nothing else.

I really need some new suggestions for what to pair these with.

Anyone have a great idea or outfit inspiration for me?!

Jeans: Blue Essence (similar)

Blouse: Hand-me-down from mom (similar)

I'm linking up a couple of days this week with Literate & Stylish and The Modern Austen for her Pantone feature - head on over to check out the other great EMERALD outfits today: http://literatelystylish.blogspot.com/ & http://www.themodernausten.com/

Floral

2013-04-26T07:43:00.001-07:00

When I was working on ideas for April's Third Thursday Threads, my little sis came up for a weekend and brought with her a bag full of clothes for me to dig through. I immediately grabbed this great flowy floral top, and while I didn't end up using it as my TTT outfit, it is definitely up there in terms of spring floral pieces in my closet.

Blazer: BP

Blouse: Hand me down from sissy (similar)

Jeans: LOFT - ON SALE NOW!

Shoes: Steve Madden

Yet again with the french braid.
I've been relying on this hairstyle for so many lazy days lately!

I'm off this afternoon to beautiful Lake Chelan for a weekend of wine tasting and relaxation with my roomie! Have a great weekend :)

Patterned Pants

2013-04-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

Before I say anything else, I just have to point out: my hair is finally looking like it is getting longer! Hooray!! About freaking time!

Okay, enough about the hair. This is me wearing a sequin-collared shirt and patterned pants to work. Or actually, while standing in my dining room. But you get the idea.

I'm obsessed with these pants. I literally JUST mentioned them yesterday. That's how much I love them. Maybe I'll post another outfit in them tomorrow. But probably not. You might all hate me if I do that.

Pants: LOFT

Blouse: Nordstrom Rack (super similar)
Wedges: Seychelles (similar)

Attempting to get a photo of my sequins. Instead its just a really close-up of my face.

Bold

2013-04-24T07:45:00.003-07:00

According to my co-worker, this is a very bold choice for the office. And I guess I get it, but it's odd how blogging changes your idea of bold. To me, bold now is mixing to insanely different patterns that maybe have a single color in common. Bold is making neon work-appropriate. Bold is not red pants and a polka dot shirt with a blazer and leopard print flats. But gosh, before blogging, it definitely would have been. Speaking of before blogging, I loved reading how Ginny's style has changed, here.

For those of you looking for some fun slacks, I highly recommend checking out LOFT. These are the Marisa Ankle pants (same style as my patterned ones) and I've gotten lucky and found them both times on sale.

Pants: LOFT
Shoes: Steve Madden

Blazer: BP

Blouse: Target (no longer available, shockingly similar)

Watch: Michael Kors

How has your style changed since you started blogging? Do you now wear things you never would have worn before??

Halfway

2013-04-23T07:41:00.002-07:00

I'm desperately counting down the days until Friday, when my roomie and I are headed to Lake Chelan for a weekend of wine tasting and relaxation. A wee little getaway. For some reason, I woke up this morning thinking I was halfway. And as soon as I realized it was only Tuesday, my day was ruined.

But then I realized it was super sunny outside, I could wear my newish red ankle pants (can't wait to show you tomorrow) to work, and my hair curled perfectly in my sleep once again, and my day was much better. Halfway or not, today will be a good day.

I got this skirt years ago from my boyfriend at the time. I absolutely love it but don't wear it often because it is a bit too big and so it rides up. Worth having it taken in??? Help me out here, ladies.

Nude Pumps: Target (on sale now!)

Skirt: Club Monaco (gift, similar with pockets)

Sweater: J. Crew Factory

Necklace: ?? (splurge, save)

PS. I'll be doing a giveaway soon and if you follow me on bloglovin, facebook, twitter, instagram, and pinterest, you'll get extra entries. So go check out the various social media pages for Bri Marie / Work Clothes, I Suppose.

Weekend Wrap-Up

2013-04-22T07:52:00.002-07:00

What a great weekend: lazy night in on Friday with Trav; a walk around Greenlake, some coffee and shopping with Cassie and Krystal on Saturday morning; a slumber party on Saturday night with Anika, Nellie, and Serena; a Sunday drive to the tulip fields with Travis before dinner at my parent's house.

Lots of rain this weekend so the only thing I didn't cross off the list was any of the yardwork I hoped to get done, but it should be sunshiny all week to give me lots of opportunities.

Here are some snapshots of my weekend, mostly from Instagram.
Follow me (http://instagram.com/bmarie35, @bmarie35) and see even more!

Some spring cleaning and organizing in progress.

Crafting away on some his & hers mugs.

The morning after. Couch snuggles after our slumber party.

My new LOFT shades!

Favorite guy, favorite flower. Great day.

Tons of mud (but lots of sunshine) at the tulip fields.

Love how much of a gentleman he is with my grandma!

I am so in love with these tulip fields!

Thank you all so much for linking up with Third Thursday Threads! The linky tool will stay live for a few more days, so if you haven't linked up your spring florals yet, go do it now! I'm still visiting all of your blogs - sorry if I haven't gotten to yours yet!!

Third Thursday Threads: Spring Florals

2013-04-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to see all the spring floral outfits you have all pulled together. I have started pulling out my pastels and florals and bright springy colors...I just cannot wait for the weather to catch up and provide some warmth with the sunshine!

I pulled out my brand new floral blazer (I'm so excited about all the ways I can wear this) and paired it with some black slacks and a neon orange tank:

Blazer: Macy's
Tank: Nordstrom
Slacks: Nordstrom (similar)
Flats: Michael Kors (similar)

Now, let's see what you came up with!

As always, just a couple of link party tips:

Third Thursday Threads Link Party

1. Be a follower. Follow Work Clothes, I Suppose on GFC or Bloglovin'.

2. Pick a recent post. The post doesn't have to be from today, but please make sure it is from the last week.

3. Link to the post, not your blog. Use the URL for your specific post, and not your main blog URL please!

4. Link back. Please be sure to link back to Work Clothes, I Suppose in your post. Use a text link or grab the button in the sidebar!

5. Visit Others. Stop back and see who else linked up and be sure to visit their blogs to check out the great spring florals!

Peplum & Pleather

2013-04-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I went out and did it. Welcome to my first peplum shirt. I saw Kendi wear peplum under a blazer and felt like it would be a great way to make this shirt more work-friendly, since the sleeves are pleather. I don't love the way the outfit photographed, but I got a ton of compliments on the outfit at work and around downtown.

The necklace is something I was given by my grandma a couple of weeks ago. It's one of my favorite things to go through her amazing jewelry collection, and she doesn't wear this necklace much anymore so she let me take it. I've already worn it 4 times! You'll definitely be seeing it again soon.

Blouse: Sloan (similar in leather, similar sleeveless)

Blazer: BP (similar)

Jeans: LOFT

Wedges: Seychelles (similar)

Nerd Glasses: Warby Parker

Reminder:

Tomorrow is Third Thursday Threads: Spring Florals

I hope you've been planning your outfits; I can't wait to see everything you come up with!

Linking up with: Because Shanna Said So, The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde

Also, don't forget to like the Work Clothes, I Suppose facebook page!

Take One

2013-04-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

Slowly but surely I'm getting a handle on this Photoshop thing. These photos used to be super crooked and so whitewashed you couldn't even see a divide between the cardigan and the blouse. I'm not quite a professional yet (obviously) but I'm figuring it out a little bit at a time. It'll help when I start paying more attention to the light in the room or outside when I actually take the photo.

Now, on to the outfit. Again, this gray sleeveless blouse. This thing is such a favorite of mine, already. I honestly cannot wait to wear it with shorts. Get here, summer, seriously!

Any favorite actions in photoshop, for those of you who use it? I've only discovered a few basics in my Photoshop class, and I'm so excited to learn even more!

Hand Me Downs

2013-04-15T07:38:00.000-07:00

Do you guys do clothing exchanges with anyone? Or get hand me downs? Or somehow inherit items you've already seen the other person wear?

It has to be one of my absolute favorite things to get clothes from my mom. She and I are the same size (and look basically identical) and she has great style! Even more importantly, she takes great care of her clothing and when I get a piece that has been in her closet for 5 years, it still wears like it is brand new. This shirt is one of those items.

Pants: Zara (similar)

Wedges: Seychelles (similar)

Shirt: hand-me-down from mama (similar)

Cardigan: BP (similar)

I just remembered that I've had these shoes, and have worn them consistently, since my sophomore year in college. I got them in both camel and black, and the small wedge size is so perfect for commuting to work. I really wish I could find heels and wedges without insanely high heels and platforms still...but that's a topic for another day!

Hope you all had a great weekend! I planned out a couple of great floral outfits you'll be seeing this week with my favorite one on Thursday for Third Thursday Threads! Can't wait to see what you all come up with!