Two Ways: Mossimo Blue Jacket

Jacket: Mossimo Ponte Blazer ($30)

From Left, Necklace: Elizabeth & James Northern Star Pendant ($95) Bag: Ivanka Trump Ava Satchel ($150) Pumps: Chinese Laundry Copertina Heel ($129) Dress: Rebecca Taylor Asymmetrical Dress ($118)

From Right, Earrings: Gold Tone Circle Studs ($24) Bag: The Limited Stud Trim Satchel ($70) Pumps: Cole Haan Air Talia ($180) Blouse: Silk Flowerstripe Blouse ($118) Skirt: Sonia Rykiel Pencil Skirt ($293)

For the Office.  I featured this Rebecca Taylor dress in my Weekly Favorites earlier in the year.  I love the short sleeve, the asymmetric pleating and the versatile pale ivory color.  And now, it’s finally on sale for a price that doesn’t make me cringe: $118.  When I checked last, there were several sizes still available, so give this dress a look for fall, winter and warm weather.

Because the dress has a pleated waistline, you don’t need to add a belt in order to define the waist.  But if you want to add one, I would choose a skinny belt that matches the shoes.  This grey belt from Lodis has clean lines and a great medium-gray color.

I chose grey for the shoes because I felt it was a richer, more sophisticated choice than brown.  If these heels are outside of your comfort zone height-wise, these suede Calvin Klein Dolly pumps or these Nine West Austin pumps should fit the bill, both are under-$100.

As for the bag, after writing about burgundy bags for the noon post, I wanted to bring one in to show you how they can liven up a look.  The rich tones of red and purple complement the jacket, while providing a contrast for the whole outfit.  If you’re looking for something under-$75, try this Limited tote bag.

The v-neck on the dress and the complementary neckline on the jacket, allow you to add a pendant necklace to this look.  I recently bought the Northern Star Ring ($95) from Elizabeth & James, and I love it, so I thought I would use the necklace here.  If you need something in the under-$50 price range, I recommend this Rose Pierre Biscay Necklace with a cool pave pendant, or this Fleur de Lis charm from Bauble Bar.

For the hair, I would wear it down to balance the look.  For the makeup, I would wear a rose blush and my new lipstick obsession, Benefit Full Finish Lipstick in Oh Currant.

For the Office. Blue and chocolate-brown is a classic combination.  This pencil skirt from Sonia Rykiel has the perfect brown color–not too red, not too dark–but the price is a bit much.  I also found this ponte skirt from Chico’s for less, or you could try a wide leg pant like these Julie trousers from LOFT.

I added an ivory blouse to balance out the color.  I like the textured, floral stripe on this Madewell top.  However, if you want a simpler blouse, this J.Crew crepe henley is nice.  And if it’s cheaper you’re after, this Halogen split-neck blouse is under-$50.

I chose a chocolate-brown shoe for balance.  If you choose to wear pants, try a pointed-toe shoe instead to lengthen the leg.  I like these BCBGeneration Cielo pumps, though they’re only available in a few sizes.

The tan bag was brought in because I wanted something lighter.  I love the circle studs on the trim and the structured shape.  However, if you want to keep it all in the chocolate family, I love the details on this Rachel Zoe hobo bag.

For the hair, I would wear it down or half-up/half-down.  For the makeup, I would use a sable eyeshadow, NYX makes my favorite shade.  I’d also add a dark brown gel liner and a rosy/mauve lipstick like Bobbi Brown Tulle.