The Closet Coach

One of the advantages of having a few favorite brands is that you can more easily stalk the outlets, sample sites and seasonal sales. When you see the name you know and love, you can buy with more confidence.

So when Swirl* had a sale on Habitual, I pounced. I like the brand’s fit, and I know they have higher rise pants than some labels; in other words, not 6 inches below my navel.

These black pants are their Cinch Hi Rise Skinny in Cobra. Yes, cobra. Not so much denim as a lightweight cotton with stretch, the fabric is overprinted with a snakeskin pattern in black on black. Brings a little disco to the office job!

Sassy pants called for a sassy shirt; you’ve seen this one before. I wanted a necklace that was big and chunky on top to balance everything out; this Stella & Dot oversized pearl with ribbons necklace is the closest thing I have. Which tells me I need to add to my jewelry wardrobe.

For a bit of heel, I wore my Beautifeel criss-cross strap sandals. I’ll confess I’m of two minds about these shoes. On the one hand, the insole and heel are super cushiony and comfortable. On the other, the straps are a bit tight and squeeze my foot. So they’re simultaneously comfortable and not. Sigh. Let’s hope the straps stretch out!

* I’ve told you all how much I love Swirl, right? Unlike some of the big-name sample sites, you’re not overwhelmed by volume; all you get is carefully edited collections of up-and-coming names in fashion forward styles.

Shirt: JCPenney Worthington bias tiered ruffle top, $30 (on sale for $15).
Denim: Habitual Cinch Hi Rise Skinny. (Similar Habitual skinny jeans, $66 at 6pm.com.)
Shoes: Beautifeel Aurore open-toe pumps, $249, on sale for $102 at Amazon.
Necklace: Stella & Dot. (No longer available; similar, Sparkling Sage “antique glass” and pearl silk tie necklace, $81 at Amazon.)
Outfit level: 3.

[Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links.]

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