Two Ways: Madewell Sparkle Sweatshirt

Top: Madewell Sparkletrim Sweatshirt ($68)

From Left, Ring: Modern Tribal Ring ($115) Bag: Charles Jourdan Ginger Satchel ($165) Shoes: Marc Fisher Pacca Pump ($60) Top: Iris & Ink Bow Blouse ($125) Pants: Topshop Flared Trouser ($90)

From Right, Earrings: Alexis Bittar Santa Fe Earrings ($195) Clutch: Van Mildert Box Clutch ($113) Shoes: High Heel Vamp Shoe ($70) Coat: Wallis Cream Slim Coat ($140) Pants: Minnie Pant in Bi-Stretch Wool ($118)

For the Office.  It’s the return of the cobalt pants!  I have been wearing this pair from Banana Republic more than I imagined possible, so I thought I’d show them again.  This outfit would be great for a not-so-casual Friday or a relaxed day without important meetings.

I like layering tops with shorter sleeves over longer sleeve blouses if the colors and textures complement.  For this look, I mixed soft chiffon with the raglan sweater material.  But if you’d like something more traditional, how about a lovely short-sleeve cashmere sweater?

The accessories for this outfit are pretty straightforward.  I used a pointed-toe pump to lengthen the leg and balance the fuller bottom on the pants.  If you’re not crazy about black, choose grey or another color, like burgundy.  The bag is a great structured satchel.  I think $165 is a good mid-range price point, but if you need something in double-digits, check out this super-chic Relic Marion satchel.  And the ring is just a cool piece with some extra zazz to add a bold accent to the outfit.

For the makeup, I would wear a burgundy shade on my lips and on my finger tips, this Deborah Lippman polish in Superstar.  For the hair, I would wear it up in a twisted updo.

For a Dinner Date.  It’s almost holiday party season, so I thought I would start posting a few outfits.  Most holiday gatherings fall somewhere between dinner and cocktail attire, and I think this outfit is a good representation of that.  The top has some sparkle, the shoes are something special and the clutch is a kick.  It’s perfectly pulled together without looking like you spent a week picking your outfit.

I posted the J.Crew Minnie pant, but I myself bought the WHBM Perfect Form Ankle Pant.  They also come in petites and a full-length version.  Plus-size ladies should look into Eileen Fisher’s skinny pants.

I love Alexis Bittar’s new line.  The pair above, this hematite pair and this pair of encased lucite earrings are just phenomenal.  They are the perfect mix of elegant, edgy and unique.

I added a white coat for that perfect touch of feminine elegance.  If this one isn’t catching your eye, check out this Guess Asymmetrical Coat with a funnel collar or this simple seamed coat from NY & Co.

For the hair, I would wear it up in a side updo or down, pulled to one side with a clip.  For the makeup, I would choose a plum/purple lipstick, like CoverGirl Outlast Perennial Plum, and a complementary blush shade, like Bobbi Brown Plum.