100

Image from carriesdesignmusings.blogspot.com.

No, that's not the number of pairs of shoes in our closets.  Although we might be close.  It's this post - #100!  We've had a blast so far and will continue to blogging away.  Here are some of our favorite posts that you might have missed.

Our most-read post?  Stacked bracelets in our spring 2012 series.

Second most-read post?  How to wear a white blazer.

How this blog came to be?  Read about it here.

Most read answer-to-question-from-a-reader?

Least-read post?  Click here to give it a chance!

What's been your favorite post?  Do you have a fashion question?  Don't hesitate to email us at jen@what2wearwhen.net or lisa@what2wearwhen.net.  Thanks for continuing to read! ~ LB & JH

...you are attending a gathering of former work colleagues.

Yesterday, I posted an answer to a friend's question on what to wear to a "Bourbon, BQQ, and Boots" party.  Today, I thought I'd tackle the second question that came in from another friend at the same time. The friend (and reader) wrote:


"A friend of mine is having a reunion for a bunch (like 100) of lawyers who used to work at the firm where I used to work.  It is after work, in the city at her loft and most of the people are coming from work...any...ideas?"


This friend is currently a stay-at-home mom after having a successful career as an attorney, but didn't keep the 'lawyer' clothing handy after she left work.  This is always a tricky outfit - you want your outfit to fit into the scene and not scream "I'm a stay-at-home mom!". On the other hand, you don't want to have an outfit that is solely used for mingling maybe once or twice a year with former work colleagues.  


And, I always like to stay true to who you are, meaning, if you don't work full time in an office, you really shouldn't look like you do.  I wouldn't show up in a head-to-toe black pants suit to a function with former work colleagues (in finance industry).  That's just not me.  I'd want to blend in, with some fun pieces that I'd want to wear all the time, but be appropriate and respectful at the same time.  I put together some outfits below on Polyvore, as inspiration for what you might consider wearing.  


For my friend, I knew she had a pencil skirt in her closet, which, when paired with a blouse and heels, is a perfect apres work outfit.  I have a pencil skirt in my closet for such events; J. Crew has tons of easy pencil skirts in many colors at a great price point.  Loved the cheetah one below because I'd want to wear it at other occasions or more casually in the fall with boots.  


She could also go the dress route, something that is NOT solely for cocktails OR daywear, but that could be used in other areas of your life.  Normally, short sleeves would be better, but the Theory dress I picked below seemed to say 'lawyer reunion' and 'fun cocktail party' all at the same time.  And, I LOVE the Stella & Dot teardrop earrings I paired with it.


Finally, the pants option.  I like the idea of doing a pants outfit with a silk blouse and blazer.  All of these pieces can be used elsewhere in your wardrobe, not just for a work-colleague-dinner.  You know I've been obsessed with white blazers, so, of course, I had to add one.  


Have fun at the "reunion"! ~ JH

Outfits for meeting work colleagues. by jenhma featuring a linen blazer

Theory tweed sheath dress
$263 - otteny.com

Etro floral blouse
$580 - net-a-porter.com

Narciso Rodriguez cut out top
$463 - net-a-porter.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs blouse
$285 - stylebop.com

Rag bone linen blazer
$535 - rag-bone.com

Theory pants
$265 - saksfifthavenue.com

J Crew long pencil skirt
$98 - jcrew.com

Nine West platform heels
$79 - piperlime.gap.com

Carven suede high heels
$595 - net-a-porter.com

Stuart Weitzman snakeskin pumps
$298 - stuartweitzman.com

Reiss quilted shoulder bag
$360 - reissonline.com

BCBGeneration coral handbag
$88 - amazon.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors michael kors jewelry
$250 - nordstrom.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors michael kors jewelry
$250 - bloomingdales.com

Stella & Dot teardrop earrings
$59 - stelladot.com

Michael kors jewelry
$93 - neimanmarcus.com

Pippa Small moonstone jewelry
$2,500 - astleyclarke.com

Giani Bernini sterling silver jewelry
$32 - macys.com

...you are dreaming about a white blazer.

Spring is around the corner, my obsession with a white blazer is bigger than ever.  I really don't know how I got obsessed with this, but I think it started with this Pinterest post I saw last year:

Photo from pinterest.com

I thought it was a fun, chic, travel-to-Europe-and-be-cool look.  I wanted to be that girl.  So, off I went, in search of a white blazer.

I found one last summer at Ann Taylor.  It was a cotton sateen, cute jacket, on sale for $99. Great way to test out the look.  It kind of looks like this:

Photo from polyvore.com

I wore it with a matte metallic tank underneath, AG Ballad jeans in a mid-wash, and nude strappy heels, long gold pendant necklace.  Loved it!  Great for a casual night out.

This year, I also wanted something a little more dressy, a little longer and found a great one at the W by Worth show:

Photo from wbyworth.com

While I eagerly await its arrival, I've been thinking about ways to wear it, so that it doesn't scream 'Miami Vice'.  I put some inspirational items on my Pinterest board, but thought I'd share them here.

The 'column of black' underneath is a great idea, with either chic flat or great heel:

Photo from pinterest.com

Ok, it also helps to be Kate Moss.  Just saying.

Anyway, another look, over a dress:

Photo from pinterest.com

Or, with lighter shirt, skinny black bottoms and cute cheetah ballet flats:

Photo from pinterest.com

Items that are current potential partners for my white blazer include this white lace t-shirt, with a slight scoop neck, from W by Worth:

Photo from wbyworth.com

To be paired with skinny dark pants...

Photo from nordstrom.com

Or how about a pair of leggings?  In leather?  That I just happened to find on sale?  I know, crazy, but they are really fantastic!

Photo from vince.com

With pointy-toe heels.

Photo from net-a-porter.com.

Very sharp outfit, for the long transitional season we have here in New England.  How would you wear a white blazer? ~ JH