Two Ways: Boden Paris Blouse

Top: Paris Boden Blouse ($88)

From Left, Earrings: ALJ Gem Earrings ($39) Ring: Caribe Dome Ring ($41) Bag: Kors Selma Satchel ($358) Shoes: Everly Leather Pumps ($245) Suit: Super 120s Jacket ($230) and Skirt ($118)

From Right, Earrings: Krivka Hoops ($12) Bag: Fossil Sydney Tote ($218) Shoes: Bloch Keeley Flat ($91) Scarf: Barneys Oversized Scarf ($465) Jeans: Paige Skyline Skinny ($189)

For the Office.  I love the look of a fuller blouse tucked into a pencil skirt.  It balances the proportions and when you add a perfectly tailored jacket on top, it can hide a myriad of sins.  And with a pretty, delicate pattern like this dot print, you get a bit of color and dimension as well.

The J.Crew suit is still one of the best ones in this price point, even though it is not as good as it used to be.  For a bit less, you can buy a Banana Republic suit or an Ann Taylor suit.  If you need something inexpensive, try The Limited.

To complement the pattern and the lavender touches on the blouse, I added these mother-of-pearl drops with a hint of purple in the shell.  If you’d like a bolder, more purple look, try these spectacular Janna Conner druzy earrings in the perfect shade of dusty purple.

I also added the gray satchel, but if you need something less expensive try this basic Anne Klein dome satchel for $89.  I also love the mix of textures on her $95 Leo Coin Satchel.

I tried on these J.Crew pumps this weekend and found them to be pretty comfortable.  If you need something under-$100, try these Nine West Charly pumps.

For the makeup, I would wear a touch of plum eyeshadow (I like the Clinique Chubby Stick) and a Black Honey lip.  For the hair, I would wear it up in a soft updo.  Nothing too tight, or it will make the suit look too severe.

For Weekend Errands.  If you’re going to wear this blouse you need a more fitted jean.  Either a skinny, like the Paige Skylines (favorite jeans of the decade) above or a slim-fitting bootcut like AG’s The Ballad (I would size up one size in these).

I liked the idea of a purple shoe to bring out the hues in the blouse.  These dusty violet Bloch flats are a great choice, but I also found these great perforated flats at ModCloth for $50.  And if you need a little height, try these Halogen sliver wedges with an ankle strap.

I added an ivory scarf, my all-season staple.  If you need something cheaper, as most of us would, try LoveQuotes in Souffle or this Tildon open-weave scarf for $28.

For the bag, I chose this Fossil shopper.  Fossil has a great line of simply designed bags in lovely colors, so if you’re in the market for a staple piece, check them out.  And if you would like a similar tote for under-$100, try this Latico Cindy Tote with optional crossbody strap.

I would wear my hair down with this outfit (unless it was raining).  I’d add some bend to the ends and a bit of teasing at the crown.  For the makeup, I would go with a purple eyeliner, like this $3 ELF gel liner, and a navy nail polish like Butter LONDON Royal Navy.