i think it's brave: corporate office outfit diary
week of february 3
This week’s line up kind of gives a look into the different style personalities I can have. I think the theme is that the warmer it gets, the more color I add back in?
I spoke with
on Monday about a piece she is writing for her Substack . We talked for like an hour about shopping and style and how, in the end, it all costs money. One of the things we discussed was how budget can be so subjective, which makes soliciting recommendations from strangers difficult. It’s better to have a few friends who know your situation and comfort levels with spending, vs. asking a Substack chat full of strangers. You’ll end up with a link for amazing $800 shoes when you were hoping for $150 max, speaking from experience here ;) I can’t wait to read the full piece when it comes out!!! Our conversation was so thought provoking and I’m sure the full set of interviews will give a unique look into fashion from a personal finance POV.We are expecting 7-8 inches of snow at home this weekend, so Aidan and I are heading out for a little brunch date before it starts to really come down. No idea what I’ll be wearing but it will be something cute since tomorrow I’m going to be in sweats all day for the Super Bowl. I will be making these nachos from my girlie Haley at Cozy Cravings, if you need some sheet pan dinner inspo!!! Ok enough of that…
Let’s see what we leave the house in…
Monday
I switched up my WFH day this week because we got 3 inches of snow and it was supposed to rain on Monday. It’s nice to start the week off cozy to be honest. I wake up and put on a black cashmere turtleneck and some grey jersey knit wide leg pants from Artizia. These are my dressed up sweats, I’ve had them for over 5 years and I love them to death. Great for my tall girlies out there cause they do have a 30’ inseam!!!
Tuesday
Monday night game plan: sunny with a high of 43 tomorrow! A treat! But also I know it’s going to be absolute slush outside because of how fast everything melted. I think I know what I want to wear but it’s one of those things that might be better in my head and 👎🏻 in the morning.
Tuesday morning: I pull out a printed Cleobella dress and am going to stick with it as my base. I try on a pair of Michael Kors brown riding boots that I think my mom bought me in high school, and compare them with some flats. The boots feel cooler. I will need a sweater layer for the office and after hesitating on the pop of color, I grab my pink Sezane cardigan. In a sea of black and navy, it’s going to look like a lot but I love it.
Wednesday
Tuesday night game plan: eek none
Wednesday morning: I woke up with absolutely no idea what to wear. It’s also freezing again, so getting out of bed was bleak. But I grab my trusty navy trousers and decide it’s a red sneaker day (similar) and work off of those 2 items. I’ve been watching a lot of Project Runway and this one guy Fabio always is rocking a bandana, so I think I want to incorporate one of mine! I also search for a dark grey sweater but realize I only have a thin cardigan, so I flip it around and make a note that, though this works, a sturdier dark grey sweater should likely be on my wishlist. Any suggestions?!
Thursday
Wednesday night game plan: tomorrow is going to be a wintry mix, my least favorite combination of words. AKA it’s going to be a parka day.
Thursday morning: I don’t need to plan because I know what I’m wearing, same thing I wear anytime there is a snow storm on a work day. I have leather leggings from Spanx that slip into my huge Zara lug boots no problem. On top I wear a longer white button down and a black sweater. It’s easy and warm and most importantly: fits under my parka and doesn’t drag on the ground. *I decided that I hate this and will be working on a new version of a snow day outfit asap*
Friday
Thursday night game plan: tomorrow is a casual Friday in the office which means denim :) I’m going to wear a button down I bought during the holidays from J.Crew but have only wore once. Add in some dark denim and I should be good to move quickly in the morning.
Friday morning: I put on the sheer button down and the Agolde jeans. I think these jeans look best with a flat, so I pick out some in a zebra print pony hair (similar). I should wear this top more, I remember now why I bought it!!!
Style thoughts of the week
Once again, winter weather dressing sucks. You have to prioritize things not getting dirty and wet over everything else. I think my lack of slushy winter shoe options is my hurdle. Lug soles and work clothes don’t really work, as evidenced by my disdain towards my Thursday fit.
Super chic girl on the sidewalk was wearing earmuffs, are they back?! Or was it the Hermes bag in her hand that made me so enamored 🤪
Chef’s Table
I made focaccia this week! It was a recipe from Big Book of Bread and my coworkers gave it a 10/10!
Book Shelf
Just finished: Babylonia by Costanza Casati (this got good 65% of the way through, idk how I feel about that type of commitment but I loved the end)
Just finished: The Favorites by Layne Fargo (10/10 recommend, ripped through this)
Wishlist Items?!
Nothing new really caught my eye but Tory Burch’s NYFW show is Monday and I just know I’m gonna lust after things I could never afford!!!
Am I the eager beaver immediately commenting on your post; why yes I am!! I am so intrigued by your piece with Lindsay because it's something I've thought about a lot on SS. Everyone's budget varies wildly and I would be curious HOW people set their clothing budget. I've had the same monthly budget since I got married (when I was 22 🙈) and it wasn't until a few years ago that I actually said "wait, I think I can manage slightly more." I'm talking $200/month which is probably a lot for some people BUT seemingly very little for others!
I love your articles because I work in an office and have to dress up every day of the week. Most folks on Substack seem to work in much more casual environments, so I don’t tend to see looks that will work for my week. I also love when you share your thoughts from the night before and then in the morning when you’re getting dressed. I so relate to it when something you thought would work just doesn’t do it for you as you’re getting ready in the morning 😂Thanks for sharing!