“Smart, Chic & Made in the USA” spotlights American-made clothing for professional women and their families.

Today marks the first day of the JoJo Loves You Annual Memorial Day Bling Sale!

I’m a huge fan of Bling by JoJo Loves You, which was first featured on Commandress last September. All of the Bling is handmade in JoJo’s Boston Studio using vintage Swarovski crystals.

The jewelry is stunning and very reasonably priced – even more so during this sale. This is a great time to stock up on gifts – some of which you may end up keeping for yourself!

Disclosure: This post does not include affiliate links. JoJo Loves You will provide a complimentary set of Bling earrings to Commandress after this post is published.

Nordstrom has started its Half Yearly Sale for Women & Kids – and there are lots of great items up to 40% off!

Do you love shopping for clothes that are Made in the USA?

Check out this link for everything on Nordstrom’s website that is Made in the USA. From there you can browse all of the Made in the USA items that are on sale in each category (for example, women’s apparel).

Disclosure: this post includes affiliate links for Nordstrom.

“Smart, Chic & Made in the USA” spotlights American-made clothing for professional women and their families.

I love the this picture from Vogue of Kate Upton wearing stunning crystal earrings by Ben-Amun. Everything about her style is elegant, modern and timeless.

Image courtesy of Vogue.com.

Last year I visited Ben-Amun’s showroom and design studio in New York’s Fashion District – where each piece of Ben-Amun jewelry is designed and crafted by hand.

One of my first Commandress posts was about my wonderful day at Ben-Amun. What a fun coincidence to discover that I was there exactly one year ago!

Ben-Amun Showroom – Jewelry from the Pearl and Crystal Collection.

Here is a selection of classic and stunning earrings from Ben-Amun’s Pearl and Crystal Collection – like the beautiful earrings featured in Vogue.

Ben-Amun Crystal Swirl Earrings – $195 from Charm & Chain.

Ben-Amun Small Crystal Flower Earrings – $130 from Ben-Amun.

Ben-Amun Crystal Angel Wing Pearl Drop Earrings – $130 from Max & Chloe.

Ben-Amun Crystal Cluster Earrings – $170 from Amazon.

Disclosure: this post includes affiliate links for Amazon, Charm & Chain and Max & Chloe.

Wow – I feel like I’ve been looking for this shoe for months – if not years.

Not only is it The Perfect Shoe for Outdoor Events, but it also may be The Perfect Shoe to Wear Anywhere & With Anything.

Behold the awesomeness of the Donald J Pliner Milli Metallic Cork Wedge:

As Stefon would say, this shoe has everything:  walkable wedge heel; sleek design with a pretty peep toe; versatile combination of natural cork and neutral silver; comfortable fit; leather lining; leather and rubber soul; and, it’s on a great sale!

It’s graduation/reunion/wedding season, and I’ve been rounding up sandals, wedges and pumps for a post about shoes to wear to outdoor events. I have several great recommendations to share, but this shoe was a stop-the-presses moment.

The Donald J Pliner Milli Metallic Cork Wedge is currently available in most sizes from Nordstrom for $152.76 (regularly $228). This brand often runs narrow, but I found this shoe to be more true to size.

The Milli Wedge is also available in limited sizes from Zappos for $149 and from Lord & Taylor for $179.99.

Mommy Commandress: A True Story

I ordered my Milli Wedge from Zappos. I love this shoe, but I need to exchange it for a smaller size.

My original Zappos order also included pink sequined sandals for my daughter (Bonnie, age 4), which are perfect for her. We tried on our new shoes together – and both agreed that my shoes and her shoes look fantastic.

Bonnie has mastered the concept of returns, but she doesn’t quite understand exchanges.When I mentioned that I need to exchange my shoes for a different size, Bonnie became concerned. Why in the world would someone decide not to keep such a great pair of shoes?

Using her most mature and earnest voice, she told me, “Don’t send them back, Commandress.”

Disclosure: this post includes affiliate links for Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom & Zappos.

A work-appropriate look you can get excited about. 

Before we get to the truly work-appropriate part, I just ordered the most adorable casual rain shoes by Melissa – a sustainable footwear designer from Brazil. Here’s a picture:

Melissa Ultragirl + Liberty Ballet Flats – Image Courtesy of Catherine’s Boutique

How could an ‘Ultragirl’ rain shoe in a Liberty of London print be anything but irresistible?

I found a blue print pair in my size for $80 online from Catherine’s Boutique – an Iowa City women’s boutique that offers free shipping. I would love to visit this store in person!

This followed the disappointment of discovering that the Size 7 I ordered from Shopbop was too small. The shoe comes in whole sizes only, and sizing down did not work for me. Shopbop is selling the Melissa Ultragirl in the blue Liberty print for $59.50 (reduced from $85) – but in limited sizes only.

The shoe is made from PVC and the material feels soft and comfortable. I’m not expecting blisters, but I’ll report back when I’ve had a chance to wear my new shoes out and about.

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Returning to the topic at hand (i.e., professional – rather than just adorable), Melissa has partnered with Karl Lagerfeld to create the most chic and sophisticated warm weather rain shoe I’ve ever seen.

The Melissa + Karl Lagerfeld – Melissama Mary Jane in glossy black PVC features a stylish pointy toe, adjustable straps and a 1.75″ heel. The Melissama is $145 from Bloomingdale’s.

Although the glossy black is only available in limited sizes, the Melissama is also available in glossy light grey – a softer neutral that could be more versatile than black – as well as matte burgundy and matte blue (both shown below).

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If you prefer a flat rain shoe, the Melissa + Karl Lagerfeld Pointed Toe Jelly Flat in Glam Sparkle is another stylish option. It is $130 from Bloomingdale’s.

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Are you still searching for the perfect professional shoe for bad winter weather?

I love the Royal Weatherproof Bootie from Aquatalia by Marvin K. in Espresso, which is named in honor of its most famous fan: Kate Middleton.

The Royal Bootie was previously featured on Commandress and is currently $298.49 (25% off) from Nordstrom.

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Looking for more warm weather rain gear? Please check out my Spring Showers board on Pinterest.

Disclosure: this post includes affiliate links for Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom and Shopbop.

The Commandress feature “Mad Men Monday” spotlights fashion that channels the 1960s style of the show’s leading ladies. 

I’m very excited about my favorite Mad Men Style find of the week: the T Tahari Mina Colorblock Dress in Evening Blue.

The Mina Dress has many elements in common with one of my all time favorite office dresses – the Elie Tahari Sylvia Dress (which was featured in my first Commandress post).

I’m glad to see that Elie Tahari agrees that this style is a real winner – and worth updating from season to season.

It’s also fantastic to find this style offered in the T Tahari diffusion line, which typically costs 50-60% less than Elie Tahari.

The Mina Dress is currently available for $96 from Neiman Marcus (regularly from $138) and in limited sizes for $65.65 from Lord & Taylor with promo code MAY (reduced from its current sale price of $77.24).

The T Tahari Mina dress is also available in plus sizes (shown below).

The T Tahari Woman Mina Dress is regularly $158. It is currently available on sale in limited sizes from Saks ($94.80), Bloomingdale’s ($110.60)  and Neiman Marcus ($110).

Style Note: Saks has a great selection of Tahari Woman clothes on sale right now for under $100 – including dresses, suiting and separates.

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Today’s second dress is looking less ladylike and more mod. It’s easy to imagine Peggy or Meghan in this Graphic Print Dress by Eliza J ($118 from Nordstrom). The dress is also machine washable.

The colors and print are fantastic – but it is worth noting that the dress could be too short on some women for some offices.

If the print is too bold for your workplace, I’d pair the dress with a neutral jacket – like this Eliza J Ruched Sleeve Jacket in White ($78 from Nordstrom) that was previously featured on Commandress.

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Today’s third dress is a modern jersey interpretation of Joan’s sophisticated blue dresses (consistently one of her favorite looks) from Coast, a London-based brand known for its beautiful dresses.

The Coast Oliva Dress in cobalt blue is a faux wrap dress with figure- flattering ruching and an understated draped ruffle. The dress is fully lined for a smoother fit.

The Olivia Dress is $180 from Bloomingdale’s and from Coast (which also carries the Oliva Dress in Black). Notably, although Bloomingdale’s describes the dress as dry clean only, Coast says it is washable.

Deal Alert: You can receive 15% off from Coast if you sign up for their newsletter. They also offer free shipping on orders over $85.

Looking for more Mad Men Style? Please check out my Mad Men Style board on Pinterest.

Disclosure: this post includes affiliate links for Bloomingdale’s, Coast, Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks.

“Smart, Chic & Made in the USA” spotlights American-made clothing for professional women and their families.

I’ve been searching for new pajamas for a while, and finally found exactly what I wanted from Bedhead Pajamas. Their Empire Waist Lounge Set is Made in the USA from soft stretch cotton and comes in a variety of beautiful prints.

I was thrilled to find the Bedhead Pajamas Long Sleeve Empire Waist Lounge Set in the Louis XIV Print shown above on Amazon for $41.85 (regularly $125). I love the lounge set’s scoop neck and pretty lace trim at the neckline and sleeves. The fit is so comfortable and very flattering.

If you are familiar with the brand, you may know that Bedhead Pajamas retail for about $125. Their quality makes them well worth the price, but I have a hard time spending that much money on myself for sleepwear. The Amazon price is a major score!

Amazon also has the Lounge Set in an Aqua/Pink Botanical Rose Print for $51.67 (regularly $125).

You can click here to check out Amazon’s selection of Bedhead Pajamas for men, women and children.

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Layla Grace, an online home decor and clothing boutique, is another great source for Bedhead Pajamas. I love anything with a fleur de lis print, so one of my favorites is the Empire Waist Lounge Set in Red & Pink Fleur de Lis shown here ($128).

Layla Grace also has a large selection of Bedhead Pajamas on sale – like this Cap Sleeve Lounge Set in Pink Moroccan Paisley for $60. The discounted items are Final Sale, so you would want to know your size before ordering.

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And, of course, you can find the biggest online selection of Bedhead Pajamas on the brand’s website: BedheadPJs.com. The website features a large selection of plus size pajamas.

If you are looking for a cooler option for the summer, I love this Blue Holland Tulip Stretch Cami and Pant Set ($118).

Deal Alert: Enjoy Free Shipping on all orders at BedheadPJs.com with promo code SUMMERFS until 06/30/13

Disclosure: this post includes affiliate links for Amazon, Bedhead Pajamas and Layla Grayce.

A work-appropriate look you can get excited about.

One of the best items for updating your existing professional wardrobe is a classic blazer in a neutral color.

I love the sleek tailoring and bracelet-length sleeves of this Alix Jacket in French Navy by Kate Spade, but the details that really won me over are the oversize buttons and slightly puffed sleeves.

This is also a great style to pair with skirts and dresses. The jacket’s short length and tailored waist would complement almost any length or silhouette.

The jacket’s bracelet-length sleeves and linen/tencel blend fabric also make it a smart option for warmer weather.

“French Navy” is a great alternative to true navy – particularly in the spring and summer. French navy is lighter and richer than true navy; it does not look cold or harsh.

In addition to French Navy, the Alix Jacket is available in Fresh White. The jacket looks crisp and beautiful in white, but personally I would stick with navy. I wouldn’t feel comfortable in a white jacket that is dry clean only.

That Kade Spade Alix Jacket is available in French Navy and Fresh White for $378 from Kate Spade, Nordstrom and Zappos.

It is also available from Neiman Marcus in Fresh White only and from Saks and Piperlime in French Navy only.

Disclosure: this post includes affiliate links for Kate Spade, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Piperlime, Saks and Zappos.

Commandress Color Spectacular spotlights wearable clothes & accessories – and the occasional aspirational piece – in one of the season’s most of-the-moment colors.

Today’s Color Spectacular focuses on one of the most popular colors of 2013: coral.

Bright and cheerful shades of orange and coral are everywhere, and it doesn’t come as a surprise right now that people are excited about warm colors that make them smile.

Orange has a bit of a reputation for being a difficult color to wear. I agree that the bright, cool orange that we associate with Halloween can be hard to pull off.

But the warm shades of orange that are so popular this spring and summer – including coral, tangerine and nectarine – are softer and flatter many more skin tones.

And you certainly won’t be confused for the Great Pumpkin if you wear orange as an accent color. Brights colors are being worn as neutrals this spring and summer, so it’s a great time to look for orange and coral handbags, shoes and other accessories.

Sometimes a color that doesn’t seem to go with anything actually looks great with almost everything!

Orange can look dull paired with black, but it looks particularly beautiful paired with white or tan – and with other bright colors.

This Lodis Accessories Audrey Belt in Coral with Mint Trim is $28.99 from Zappos (originally $32).

I love the warm orange of this Brahmin Melbourne – Medium Arno Croc Embossed Tote in Sherbet – $245 from Nordstrom.

Nordstrom describes the color of this Classiques Entier Italian Ponte Dress as “coral-pink” – and it has received one very rave review. The details at the waist are lovely. $198 from Nordstrom.

Vince Camuto Paisley Print Blouse – machine washable – $79 from Lord & Taylor (currently 15% off with Promo Code MAY), Zappos and Nordstrom.

This Aquatalia by Marvin K. Kirsten Peep-Toe Patent Pump is a gorgeous spring and summer shoe. It is available in Coral Combo or Blue/Black Combo from Pendleton for $277.99 (originally $398).

I love the floral print, jewel-neckline and three-quarter sleeves of this Nic + Zoe Floret Cardigan. The fun orange belt is a bonus! The cardigan is hand washable and available for $168 from Nic + Zoe, Nordstrom and Zappos.

Disclosure: this post includes affiliate links for Lord & Taylor, Nic + Zoe, Nordstrom, Pendleton and Zappos.

“Smart, Chic & Made in the USA” spotlights American-made clothing for professional women and their families. 

Today’s post features a Rag & Bone blazer that is Made in the USA. In addition, the blazer certainly qualifies for Rest Your Eyes on This status (i.e., “something that is lovely and delightful – regardless of its practicality or its price”).

I’ve hesitated to feature this blazer because of its high price tag. But I keep coming back to the blazer because it is so very beautiful and because it helps illustrate the wide range of price points in which you can shop for professional clothes that are Made in the USA.

This is certainly an item from the high end. Behold the Rag & Bone Bouclé Blazer in Tangerine:

Rag & Bone Bouclé Blazer in Tangerine - Made in the USA and $795 from Nordstrom or Forward by Elyse Walker.

It’s absolutely stunning!

One of my favorite qualities for professional attire is the ability to appear both classic and contemporary. This blazer’s beautifully tailored shape, sleek design and elegantly feminine fabric fit the bill.

The blazer is also incredibly versatile. It looks fantastic with dark denim, as shown above. It would look just as fantastic paired with suit separates, a sheath dress or even the right cocktail dress.

A chic bouclé blazer happens to be an item on my long-term wish list. Finding the right one for me is a challenge, however, because most bouclé blazers do nothing to flatter my body type.

These blazers tend to be boxy and have buttons or other details on the front – all of which tend to make me look big rather than curvy. A textured fabric like bouclé can also add visual weight – in places where I don’t want it.

Only the most streamlined design and the most delicate bouclé fabric will do – which is why I find this sleek and tailored Rag & Bone Bouclé Blazer so very appealing. There are no buttons or other trims to break up the blazer’s long vertical lines; the blazer even closes with a simple hook and bar.

The Rag & Bone Bouclé Blazer in Tangerine is Made in the USA and available for $795 from Nordstrom and Forward by Elyse Walker.

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Returning to issues of fit and flattery, I have a perfect visual to show how very different two similar looking blazers can be.

Here’s a picture of the Rag & Bone Nakamura Jacket. This jacket is made from the same Tangerine fabric as the Bouclé Blazer, but its design is boxy. The jacket also has a lot of buttons, trims and other details.

Rag & Bone Nakamura Jacket – Made in the USA and $795 from Barneys New York.

This is an example of the typical bouclé jacket design (which I described above). The Nakamura Jacket would look great on many women with straight figures (especially a woman who wants to balance a smaller upper half with a larger bottom half of her body).

But as far as I’m concerned, I just see a jacket that appears expressly designed to be as unflattering on me as possible.

I’d like the other one, please!

If you would like to see more blazer and jackets  in a variety of styles, please visit my Blazers & Jackets board on Pinterest.

Disclaimer: this post includes affiliate links for Barneys New York, Forward by Elyse Walker and Nordstrom.