Sometimes when I walk down the halls of the Capitol and see the women in their staid black suits and their boring twin sets, I remember a scene from the documentary “The September Issue,” and I hear the voice of Andre Leon Talley screaming in my ear: “It is a famine of beauty.”  Except, in this case, it is a famine of pretty.

That’s part of the reason this blog exists, not just to discuss what is appropriate for work but also, how to maintain some femininity in a masculine world.  And I am all about the pretty.  Yet, some woman refuse to accept that they can be taken seriously as professionals without dressing all in black with shapeless suits and square toed heels.  So let’s bring pretty back, shall we?  

To bring pretty back to Capitol Hill, we need to start with the shoes.  Because while every woman needs the basic black pump and the comfortable flat, a woman cannot live on bread alone.  We need chocolate.  We need bows, rosettes, vibrant colors and cutouts if we are meant to survive this famine of pretty.

Cutwork Shoe (Karen Millen, $225)

While I usually preach that pumps should be under 3″ for comfort, this shoe is so cute that I’m willing to make an exception.  (In fact, this shoe is so cute, that I was willing to break out the high school physics skills and convert centimeters to inches.)  This lovely pump has a 4.5″ heel with a 1″ platform and perhaps, a little pain is a small price to pay for shoes this cute. 

Just buy a pair of comfy flats, and change into them at your desk.  All will be right with the world.

Betsey Johnson Calandra Pump (Piperlime, $150)

Mary Jane styling? Check.  Perfect peep toe? Check.  Satin ribbon braiding? Check.  Adorable but not overpowering bow? Check.

Seriously, what else do you need to pronounce these the prettiest shoe in all of Christendom?  These adorable pumps could add a little zing to even the most boring work attire but frankly, they deserve a flirty cocktail dress and a night on the town.  Because if you’re going to own them, you better treat them right.

AK Anne Klein Rosette Pump (Zappos, $79)

These pumps would add a bit of pretty to a basic black pencil skirt.  The print is classic and chic but the flowing vines are lovely with the small rosette on the front.  And unlike the other pumps in this post, these shoes are under 3″ high.  

Charles David Pompadour Pump (Zappos, $97)

Like red pumps, green high heels are a fabulous way to add punch to your outfit.  The emerald pumps would look especially lovely with blue, purple or yellow separates.  A navy skirt with a yellow printed blouse and yellow printed cardigan would be a gorgeous way to wear color to work.  

This blog is a celebration of pretty.  I am a firm believer that when you work in such a male dominated industry adding a little femininity your wardrobe is never a bad thing.  You can be a girl and be a professional, the two are not mutually exclusive.