Shoe: Studded Slingback (Zara, $90)

From the Left, Earrings: Pearl Cove Stud ($38) Ring: Hammered Cocktail Ring ($65) Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Covet Satchel ($425) Jacket: Shiny Yarn Blazer ($110) Skirt: J.Crew Pencil Skirt ($88)

From the Right, Earrings: Twist Pendant Earrings ($88) Bag: similar BCBG Clutch ($101) Dress: Erik Hart Stretch Minidress ($133)

Polyvore Set Here.

For the Office. I loved this jacket the first time I saw it.  Unfortunately, the first time I saw it was on the UK Mango site, so I’m very glad that it finally made it’s way to the states.  But a word of caution, unless your bust is the biggest part of you, this jacket needs to be purchased to fit the waist not the bust.  If you purchase based on bust size, you may not be able to close it.  So, once again, this item will need to be tailored.

I added a simple black pencil, but you could also try grey or white.  You could also do pants, dealer’s choice.  You will obviously need to add a blouse (not featured), and I would choose a light-colored silk tank.  You could also wear a black blouse.  Color would be a bit difficult because of the black ribbon accent at the waist, but you could take the blazer to the store and try it on with a few things until you find one you like. 

Since this jacket has a very dramatic neckline, you need to complement the neckline–v-neck, halter, deep scoop.  No crewnecks or turtlenecks, please.

The accessories are ladylike with a slight edge to them.  I like the way the shoes add a hint of dangerous pretty, so the earrings are light but not fussy pearls and the bag is a demure shape in snakeskin.

I would wear my hair down, in curls with a side part.  If you wanted to wear it up, I’d loosely pin it at the nape of the neck.  For the makeup, I’d try a lipstick.  Not a gloss, not a wash, a real lipstick.  Not quite Parisian red, but something just below that, like NARS Scarlet Empress, which is a berry/red mix.  I’d also line my eyes and highlight the brow bone and the corners of my eye to look more awake.

For a Cocktail Party.  This dress is a bit of a departure from my usual flirty-sophisticated pretty, and I like that.  Sometimes, you need to step out of you comfort zone.  It’s fun, especially when you do it with clothes because then, there’s no danger of doing something you’ll really regret later.

The print is geometric and a little bit industrial, so I chose a cool earring.  I love the metal work, it reminds me of an Alexander Calder mobile.

The clutch in the set is satin, which is not ideal.  So I made an alteration in the links.  That clutch is a mix of berry and black sequins, which is a bit more what I was looking for.  Regardless of the failings of the chosen item, the idea was to select a clutch that pulled from the colors in the print, either cobalt or berry.

Lastly, I would wear my hair absolutely pin straight for this.  If I were feeling really brave, I might even try one of those slightly insane faux-hawk ponytails, but more Gwen Stefani than Kesha (I refuse to put the dollar sign. I just refuse.).  

As for the makeup, I would do really smoky eyes with nude lips and a light wash of blush.  I’d also paint my nails black, maybe that black French mani that I posted about awhile back.